Top-seed Notre Dame, second-ranked in the state in Class 2A, outclassed fourth-seed Windsor 8-0 in a semifinal game of the Class 1A-3A, District 1 playoffs at Notre Dame's Harry Crisp Field Saturday.
The Bulldogs dominated play throughout, spending the majority of the contest in Windsor's end of the field.
"We came out and played with a lot of intensity and a lot of confidence," said Notre Dame coach Brad Wittenborn, who saw his team improve to 16-4-2.
Notre Dame meets second-seed St. Pius X in the championship game Monday at 6:30 p.m. St. Pius eliminated No. 3 Sikeston 1-0 in the other semifinal. Notre Dame defeated St. Pius 2-0 earlier in the season.
Against Windsor, the Bulldogs scored on their first shot of the game. Adam Prasanphanich started the scoring parade with a goal off an assist from Shane Kistner with less than seven minutes gone in the first half.
Scott Wittenborn followed with his first of two goals at the 24-minute mark. Paul Unterreiner assisted on the play to send the Bulldogs up 2-0.
Then about midway through the half, Timmy Wencewicz knocked in an unassisted 35-yarder to extend the margin to 3-0.
Said Wittenborn, "That bomb by Wencewicz kind of broke their backs."
Prasanphanich's second goal and a score by Unterreiner gave the Bulldogs an insurmountable 5-0 lead at the half.
Another Wittenborn goal early in the second half sent the starters to the bench for the day.
Reserves mopped up and scored Notre Dame's final two goals.
Christian Berens tallied off an assist from Jake Hency and Jonathon Market found the net with an assist from Blake Urhahn.
Rarely threatened, goalie Travis Siebert recorded the shutout.
"They're good, without a doubt," said Windsor Owl coach Gary Krekeler. "They've got 15 real good soccer players and I've got 15 good athletes, and that is probably the biggest difference."
Windsor (13-7-1) reached the semifinals with a 4-1 win over fifth-seed De Soto.
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