Westminster-Oak Mountain struck early against St. James in the girls 1A-3A soccer final on field 1 at John Hunt Park in Huntsville on Championship Saturday.

The Knights went on to win 3-0 for their second blue map. They previously won the championship in 2019.

“We took control early. First 15 minutes, we wanted to dominate,” third-year coach Joe Randal said. “Once we got that lead, we wanted to manage the game. We knew the heat would be a factor. The girls accomplished every goal I set in front of them and overachieved them.”

Westminster freshman Vale Richie, named the game’s most valuable player, scored two goals for the fifth-ranked Knights (17-5). She finished with 31 goals for the year.

“It was lots of practice and teamwork, honestly,” Richie said. “Communication and a lot of passes. I couldn’t ask for anything more for our seniors because we have eight graduating, so it’s such a big deal.”

Westminster led 2-0 at halftime. Just 34 seconds into the game, Richie scored with an assist from Jenny Grant. She took an outside of the foot shot past St. James goalkeeper Katie Irving.

L.C. Smith put the Knights up 2-0 at 1:47 in, with assists from Emily White and Ella Davenport. The ball was knocked down in the box off a corner kick, and she poked it in from six yards. Westminster goalkeeper Lailie Parvin made four saves in the half while Irving had three.

The Knights upped their lead to 3-0 in the 56th minute on Richie’s second goal with an assist from White. She dribbled past the defense to finish from short range. Winning goalkeeper Parvin finished with four saves while Irving had eight for the Trojans.

Fourth-ranked St. James finished at 15-2-2.

“We just had a really rough start where we conceded some early goals,” Trojans 15th-year coach Charlie Brightwell said. “Which ultimately forced us to chase the game which tends to leave us a little open on the counter attack. It took us a while to work ourselves into the game where we could put the ball in play.

“So proud of this year, this team, as they did something no other St. James team has ever done which is to make the final. The heart of this group is amazing and I know they’ll have big things to come.”