The Illinois High School Association kicked off its girls soccer sectionals yesterday, delivering a slate of matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
In the 1A bracket, Columbia edged Murphysboro 3-1 in overtime, a result that not only secured a spot in the Sectional Finals but also highlighted the resilience of the Columbia squad.
The victors will meet Father McGivney on Friday, a team that cruised past Freeburg 6-0 to earn its place in the championship match.
Friday’s Championship Matchups
The upcoming finals will see Columbia take on Father McGivney in the 1A title clash, while Edwardsville and Peoria Notre Dame battle for the 3A crown. In the 2A bracket, the winner of tonight’s Alton match will join the other finalists in a bid for the championship.
Meanwhile, the 2A Sectionals are slated to begin tonight at Alton, where Litchfield posted a 3-2 victory over Civic Memorial, setting up a compelling showdown.
At the same venue, Alton Marquette delivered a dominant 7-0 shutout of Greenville, a performance that underscored the team’s attacking firepower.
In the 3A division, Edwardsville edged O’Fallon 1-0, advancing to the Normal Sectional Finals where they will face Peoria Notre Dame, a side that dispatched East Moline United 5-0.