Source: Williamson Herald   Author: Charlie Bateman

Both the Nolensville High School and Independence High girls' soccer teams advanced to the District 12-AAA championship and in the process, earned Region 6-AAA tournament berths with wins Thursday. 

The Knights overpowered Columbia 7-0 in the semifinals, while Indy held on for a 3-2 victory over Summit in a Border Battle matchup.

Nolensville 7, Columbia Central 0 

The Knights put on an offensive clinic from start to finish to streak into the district championship. 

Maddie Padelski, Olivia Galloway and Claira Fausett all scored twice in the semifinal barrage Thursday. 

"We took our chances," said Padelski, who opened the scoring early in the 3rd minute. "I am glad several people got goals in this game, because it means a lot to everyone in postseason."

Four minutes after Padelski's first tally, the sophomore Galloway blasted a shot in the box to extend the Knights lead and Padelski immediately followed with another tally. 

"Maddie has been our go-to player all year," Nolensville coach Eric Shelton said. "We rely on her heavily for a lot of our offense."

Nolensville continued their scoring spree with a shot just outside the 18 from the freshman Fausett in the 25th. The youngster tacked on another goal just before the half for the 5-0 cushion. 

"Those are Claira's first goals at the varsity level," Shelton said. "Everyone is excited to get to see that and cheer her on."

Galloway struck again five minutes into the second half and sophomore Callie Earls finished the scoring with a shot placed in the bottom left corner of the goal in the 48th. 

"It is one step closer to going to state like last year," Padelski said of the win. "We got to put more players in so we could learn how to combine and work better as a team."

Nolensville senior keeper CeCe Szopa and sophomore goalie Jaya Singh combined for the clean sheet.

"Every win that you get is another win that you get to be together as a team," Shelton said. "That is what we are really shooting for is to keep this season alive for as long as possible.

"It does not get any easier from here on out. In the postseason when tournament trophies are on the line, I am sure that is going to be a battle."

Nolensville and Independence are scheduled to play at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. The winner will face Centennial and the loser battles Ravenwood in the regional. Those matches are scheduled for Monday, Oct. 17.