MATT TYSON

Staff Writer

Around this time last year, the Westwood Middle School girls’ soccer team took on Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts in the region championship game and came up short on penalty kicks in a double overtime loss.

It was a different story this time around.

Taking on CSLA in the region title game once again, the Lady Rockets held on for a 1-0 victory over the reigning state champions to secure a program-first region championship Monday night.

“Words can’t describe it. This team has come so far in two years,” Westwood coach Kevin Smith said. “Just three years ago, they were negative 47 goals and now they’re 13 wins, one tie and one loss. That’s an impressive turnaround in two years.”

Westwood broke a scoreless start early in the first half on a goal from Ashlyn Allen. The Lady Rockets continued to maintain their one-goal lead from there and went into halftime still leading by one.

Westwood’s defense continued to hold off CSLA in the second half, with keeper Adalynne Smith helping to preserve the shutout in the net and ensure the Lady Rockets’ region championship victory.

“Practice. Consistency and practice,” Smith said of the keys to the Westwood win. “Getting the girls to believe in themselves.”

Westwood (13-1-1) now moves on to the state tournament, where it will begin with a sectional matchup Saturday. The location, opponent and time are yet to be announced.