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But U-15 U.S. National Team midfielder Alex Doll finally eased B-CC's nerves in the 35th minute. The sophomore finished a cross from senior forward Hannah Richardson to give the Barons a 1-0 lead that would last the rest of the night.
The win clinched B-CC's fifth state final appearance and second in three years. The Barons (16-0) have won two state titles, most recently in 2004.
Saturday marked Hereford's fifth state tournament appearance, and first since the Bulls' only state championship in 2000. Hereford finished the year 11-4-1.
In the final, B-CC will meet Harford County's Fallston, which eliminated Calvert County's Northern on penalty kicks in Saturday's other semifinal. State championship games will be held at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County in Catonsville, Nov. 13-15; exact dates and times are yet to be determined.
"It's been an awesome journey," Doll said. "I'm so happy for the seniors; they can end their career on a happy note. Last year was such a sad ending [in the regional final] …
"I think in the beginning we were a little bit nervous; states is a big deal. We had a lot of chances but we didn't capitalize. But we were able to get that one. That's something we'll have to work on."
B-CC controlled Saturday's game. The Barons, led by Doll (12 goals, 19 assists), senior forward Hannah Cooper (26, 11) and sophomore Victoria Gersh (11, 19), put together some nice combinations up top.
Though they struggled to finish — a problem they're quite unfamiliar with — they netted one when they needed to.
And the Barons' defense was solid as it has been all year, stifling Hereford's attack and any chances the Bulls had at a possible goal. Led by senior goalie Hannah Hoffman, senior Charlotte Detchon and freshman Hannah Levin, B-CC has only given up five goals this year and has shut out 13 opponents.
"B-CC brings so much experience to the field," Hereford coach Nancy Ferguson said. "Players like that raise the level of everyone on the field. They have a solid team from the first girl to the last girl. They're knowledgeable and patient; they're just an extremely composed team."