Rincon/University's Theo Gibbs, Lisa Fishbeck and Ellie Kidder celebrate a goal in Wednesday's win over Ironwood Ridge.

James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star

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Whether it was motivated by a 1-0 halftime deficit or aided by strong winds at its back, Rincon/University did a 180 degree turn in the second half to earn a bid for a championship.

The host Rangers, seeded second in the 4A Sonoran Region tournament, scored two goals to rally to beat No. 3 Ironwood Ridge 2-1 Wednesday to advance to Friday's title game against Sabino.

The gusty wind that was in the Rangers' faces in their scoreless first-half showing appeared to give them a definite edge when the field was reversed.

"We really needed to take advantage of the fact that the wind was at our backs, and from the first minute of the second half we did that," Rincon coach Bridget Betterton said.

"We calmed down and started to play a possession-style game that fits us best."

There was a drastic and evident change in Rincon's attack, witnessed by continual pressure on the Ironwood Ridge goal. Ellie Kidder tied the game at 1 after Julie Pena fed her beautifully on a corner kick.

After several of Ironwood Ridge's scoring chances went for naught as time waned, Heather Burke sprinted past the Nighthawks' defense and blasted the game-winner over the hands of keeper Laura Hakel in the 73rd minute.

"Seeing as I missed a one-on-one earlier in the game, I was kind of nervous," Burke said of the final shot.

"I stutter-stepped a little, but it felt good to finish it, finally."

 — Tyler Hansen

5A Southern

● Flowing Wells 7, Mountain View 1: At Salpointe Catholic, the Caballeros continued their dominating run in the 5A Southern region with a convincing win over the Mountain Lions.

After a shaky first half that ended with the scored tied at 1, Flowing Wells found its rhythm in the second half and went on to score six unanswered goals. Four came in the last 10 minutes of the game.

Freshman midfielder Skye Schultz started the Cabs' second-half scoring in the 49th minute with a goal off a pass from fellow freshman midfielder Meagan Adkins.

Nine minutes later, Schultz added another goal with a header from a cross by defender Brittany Corona. Schultz finished with three goals and an assist.

The Caballeros turned it on in the final 10 minutes, when the Lions defense crumbled from constant pressure by the Flowing Wells midfield.

"We realized our mistakes from the first half," said Schultz. "We just had enough pride to come back and win it."

With the win, Flowing Wells advanced to play Salpointe Catholic on Friday for the regional title.