dtoney@digitalsports.com

Hereford High girls' soccer Nancy Ferguson was a little concerned going into Monday's Class 3A North Region title game against Towson. The Bulls had to play early in the afternoon and didn't have school Monday.

After a slow start, Hereford dominated the host Generals over the final 40 minutes for a 5-1 victory to advance to the state 3A Final Four. Sophomore Tori Stout scored two goals for the Bulls, and Lily Novak and Brittani Genco added a goal and an assist.

Hereford (11-3-1 overall) will play Bethesda-Chevy Chase in a state semifinal Saturday afternoon at 5 at North Point. Bethesda-Chevy Chase ended Urbana's title reign with a 2-1 victory Monday evening.

It will be the first trip to the state Final Four for the Bulls since sharing the 2A crown with Middletown. The Bulls overcame a 1-0 halftime deficit in a contest that tip-off at 1:30 p.m.

"We were concerned because the girls weren't in school today, coming off a weekend, having to play at 1:30, nothing's normal," said Hereford coach Nancy Ferguson. "They [Towson] totally outplayed us in the first half. We were playing not lose."

"We had an amazing fire at halftime," said Bulls junior defender Parisa Kaliush. "We've been in this position like that before and knew we could come back."

Kaluish, Jenna Cimino, Sara Wannlund, Jess Rae shut down the Generals as Kelsey Wertz and Katie Miller each posted two saves in goal. After losing 4-0 during the regular season, Towson had the early advantage, thanks to a goal by Bronwyn Dunk.

The Bulls came to life in the second half. Rae had a goal and Kelsey Mattola provided an assist.

"It's not one or two individuals," said Ferguson, "just everyone digging down and doing what they supposed to do."

Class 3A North Region girls soccer championship

Hereford 5, Towson 1
Goals: Hereford-Stout 2, Rae, Genco, Novak; Towson-Dunk; Assists: Hereford-Genco, Novak, Mattola. Saves: Hereford-Miller 2, Wirtz 2; Towson-Crawford 10.

Hereford 0 5-5
Towson  1 0-1