If defense wins championships, then the Westminster Christian Warriors are well on their way.

After implementing a new defensive scheme, the Warriors held favored Dade Christian to one goal in regulation, and went on to win 2-1 after outscoring the Crusaders 5-3 in penalty kicks to advance to the Region 4-2A finals.

Westminster coach Jason Aquila said that his team wanted it more.

''These girls really wanted this game, they wanted to avenge those losses to them [Dade Christian],'' Aquila said. ``I mean, both teams are phenomenal. They have great athletes and we have great athletes. I think we just wanted it more, we were mentally ready to beat this team, especially on their home field.''

Westminster was led by Ceci Colon, who had the Warriors' lone goal during regulation as well as converting a penalty kick. Defensively, Alexis Lugo and Annie Evans starred. Lugo had 21 total saves and Evans played great defense throughout.

The Warriors will play American Heritage Delray Friday at 7 p.m. at American Heritage.

Coach Aquila is more than confident in his team.

''Everyone's healthy, we're finally at 100 percent health-wise,'' Aquila said. ``I think we're playing our best soccer right now, we're communicating well and I like the way we're executing on our set plays. I like our chances.''