Briefly: Saxony Lutheran soccer team advances to Class 1 championship with win over Barstow

The Saxony Lutheran girls soccer team's 18th consecutive win secured the Crusaders their spot in the Class 1 championship game.

Saxony defeated Barstow 3-0 in a semifinal on Friday afternoon at Blue Springs High School in Blue Springs, Missouri.

The Crusaders, who improved to 23-2, will play the winner of Friday's semifinal between Trinity Catholic and Father Tolton for the title at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Junior defender Logan Welker scored the game-winning goal in the 20th minute when she lofted a free kick from more than 40 yards out over Barstow goalkeeper Jane Velghe.

Less than four minutes later junior midfielder Brianna Mueller hit a 15-yard shot to put the Crusaders up 2-0. Freshman Laurel Mueller recorded the assist.

Laurel Mueller scored with 11:19 remaining in the game when she knocked a rebound from about eight yards out past Velghe into the lower left of the goal.

It was the first time this season that the Knights (15-3-2) had allowed more than two goals in a game.

The Crusaders and junior goalkeeper Raegan Wieser their 16th shutout. Saxony had 15 shots -- 10 on goal -- while Barstow had four shots and two on goal.