(Jeff Tucker/jefferywtucker.zenfolio.com)
DENVER — Regis Jesuit is headed to the state field hockey championship game for the first time in school history.
The Raiders, seeded No. 3, upset No. 2 Kent Denver 1-0 during the semifinals on Tuesday at All-City Stadium.
It was a lone goal from Lauren Pendergast that was the difference. The Regis Jesuit junior scored with 18:15 remaining in the game to put her team up, and the defense didn’t allow any major chances from the Sun Devils.
One major difference in the game: Regis Jesuit had nine short corner attempts. Kent Denver didn’t get their first one until 6:42 remained in regulation — and the Raiders defended that one well.
It was Regis Jesuit’s first win over Kent Denver since 2015. The Raiders went 0-2-3 against the Sun Devils since a quarterfinal win over them during that season. That includes a 1-1 tie between the two teams to open this season in late August.
Now, Regis Jesuit (14-2-1) will advance to Thursday’s championship game against Cherry Creek. The Bruins beat Colorado Academy in Tuesday’s other semifinal.
Cherry Creek and Regis Jesuit played on Sept. 13, a 3-1 Bruins win.
Kent Denver ends the season at 13-2-2.