Highland girls soccer coach John Berzins never quits talking about the senior leadership (13 seniors, 8 of whom started Saturday) his defending champions bring to the field each match and why not? They answered the call again Saturday afternoon in reaching the Division I girls soccer semifinals for the third time in four years.

Highland received goals from seniors Paige Morris, Ashley Hatch and Brena Jarvis and one from sophomore Makkel Parrot  -- the final three in the second half -- and knocked off No. 6 seed Boulder Creek, 4-1, in a quarterfinal match at Highland High.

Highland (21-2-2) earns a rematch on Wednesday (Feb. 6) with No. 2 seed Desert Vista in the D-I semifinals. Desert Vista edged Kofa, 1-0, in its quarterfinal match. Desert Vista topped Highland, 2-1, to win the Diablos Classic in Tempe in early December. The experience the defending D-I champs displayed, particularly in the second half, is an intangible that makes them hard to bet against in pursuit of a repeat.

Nursing a 1-0 lead courtesy of a more routine Highland goal (Jaden DeGracie throw-in and header by Morris), hustle and awareness combined to give Highland an exceptional goal and a 2-0 advantage in the 45th minute. Lindy Snyder fought for and gained possession just across midfield and sent the ball to the left corner. Jarvis attempted to chase down it down. With a burst of speed and lots more determination she fought off a defender and saved the ball that initially appeared she had no chance to nab. Jarvis gained possession by inches, pivoted and  quickly sent a cross that  Ashley Hatch came flying in to head home for a extra-goal lead.

"That's two seniors not giving up," Berzins said. "Another senior slotted it.  Ashley knew to keep going. It was great hustle and a great finish."

As much as Highland had dominated the match -- up to the 60th minute  with the 2-0 lead -- Boulder Creek struck on a set piece (corner from Kyle Escobedo to Natalie Stephens in the 61st minute). It didn't faize Highland.

"With our senior leadership we went back after it," Berzins said. "We didn't put our heads down."

A minute later, Jarvis managed to tap in a rebound among a pile of players to give Highland its two-goal lead back again. Moments later Boulder Creek keeper Meghan Strang was red-carded. That goal seemed to take the air out of Boulder Creek coming so soon after it had pulled within 2-1. Highland added the final goal in the 74th minute with Hatch feeding Parrot.

Boulder Creek finished the season 18-2-2The Jaguars managed a 2-2 tie with Highland in late December at the Arizona Showcase Tournament. They made their second straight state tournament appearance and lasted a round longer this year than last for coach Natalie Schmidtke.

Highlights from game

For a couple of highlights from the game go here.

The highlights include Highland's second goal, scored by Ashley Hatch off an assist from Brena Jarvis, one of Highland goalkeeper Ashley March's six saves, and Highland's third goal, scored by Makkel Parrot after a Hatch assist.