regional champs

The Grace Community Lady Cougars get a chance to defend their state soccer championship.

On Thursday, the Lady Cougars defeated Grapevine Faith Christian 1-0 to capture the TAPPS Division II regional girls soccer title at Better Life Stadium in Forney.

Kate Herod scored the lone goal of the game off an assist from Elle Durham.

“It was a hard-fought, back-and-forth game with both teams creating chances and both goalies making some good saves,” Grace Coach Chris Hemphill said.

Gracyn Campbell was in goal for Grace for the clean sheet.

The Lady Cougars will face Fort Worth All Saints in the state semifinals at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Round Rock Multipurpose Complex.

Fort Worth All Saints won its regional with a 1-0 victory over Austin Regents.

The other semifinal has Houston Emery/Weiner playing Houston Second Baptist.

Emery-Weiner won its regional 1-0 over San Antonio Christian, while Second Baptist won over Houston Lutheran South 2-1 in overtime.

The semifinal winners advance to the championship game, which is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Round Rock.

This is Grace’s seventh trip to the state Final Four, including two straight. The Lady Cougars have won three state championships.