Fatima defeated Christian Fellowship, 3-0, in Monday’s Class 1, District 4 championship match to earn a quarterfinal berth on Saturday.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this group of boys and everything they’ve accomplished this season,” said Coach Kelley-Marie Wibberg. “From the first day of practice to the district championship game, they’ve shown grit, determination, and a love for the game that makes coaching them a joy. Winning the district title is a reflection of their hard work, determination, and the bond they’ve built as a team. What makes it even more special is the incredible support we’ve had from our families, fans, and community every step of the way, even during the freezing temps last night. In a small community like ours, that support means everything. We’re excited to keep playing and to represent Fatima and the community with pride as we move forward.”

Peter Schwartz scored Fatima’s first goal on a breakaway with 29:00 to play in the first half, and struck again just over four minutes into the second half to give the Comets a 2-0 lead.

Colten Scheulen added an insurance goal with 7:53 to play, with an assist from Schwartz.

The Comets await the winner of the Class 1, District 3 tournament. That game was played on Tuesday, and the results will be online. Fatima could host the next game, depending on which team wins.

Paden Luebbert was solid in goal with several saves, with a total of 46 on the year, which Coach Wibberg said is a school record. Luebbert assumed the keeper role in the Capital City game after Michael Sesti suffered an injury. “I laughed when thinking about Peyton in goal, because I can remember his freshman year when we needed to train a backup goalie, and we came to him and said, ‘Hey, we want to put you in goal.’ And he said, ‘No, I’m not doing that.’ Now, he’s obsessed. He wants to train and always wants to be better. He’s happy where he’s at, and the team’s happy with him back there. I think the biggest thing we’re working on with him is building that leadership and needing that leadership out of the back, especially losing so many seniors, finding someone to step into that role. We’re losing a lot of big voices next year, so we need someone to start stepping into that role.”

Andrew Muenks was credited with an amazing save in the second half as well.

Fatima reached the title match after knocking off Belle, 6-0, on Thursday.

Coach Wibberg said she asked the team what was holding the Comets back in terms of games lost. “Shooting was one thing, so we spent a lot of time on that,” she said. “We worked on passing and communicating. We went in tonight as the second seed with high hopes of winning. We knew this could be the last 80 minutes for our six seniors, so I told them to play every minute like it was the last one.”

Fatima exceeded the goals set for the district tournament, with all six goals scored in the first half, the last two in a very short span.

Scheulen and Eli Koenigsfeld scored two goals apiece. Schwartz provided a stellar assist on one goal with a diving header. He also scored a goal, along with Cooper Berhorst. Scheulen and E. Koenigsfeld also had an assist each.

In goal, Luebbert posted 12 saves.

Fatima’s defensive structure changed recently to include several formations. “We tried a new one and it was a big change for the defense,” said Wibberg. “I think they were the most nervous about the change because they were losing a person.”

The Comets went from a 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3, changing the dynamics, in part because Drew Riegel was injured. “Despite being nervous, the guys did a great job adjusting,” said Wibberg.