WEXFORD — Mars coach Blair Gerlach knew what Elizabeth-Forward was going to throw at them.

The only question appeared to be how long were they going to do so?

The Planets used a Kristen Check goal off an assist from Crysta Ganter just 7:55 into the game and also relied on a stalwart defensive effort that did not allow a single shot on goal in the Planets' 3-0 WPIAL Class AA semifinal victory in girls soccer action at Newman Stadium.

The win sent the defending WPIAL champion Planets into the finals against South Park, a 2-1 winner over Central Valley.

The championship game will be played Saturday at a time and site to be determined.

“We came in knowing they wanted to play us with a defensive posture,” Gerlach said. “They wanted to frustrate us. They had six or seven (defenders) back there, almost a zone defense.

“When you do that, you force a team at you, which bodes well for us,” Gerlach added.

“We recognized they are a very talented team,” Warriors coach Gary Meyers said. “They're fast and have a good touch on the ball.

“We knew it was going to be difficult to come out with the speed and possession ability of Mars,” Meyers added.

Other than the early goal past Warriors' goalkeeper Jennifer Keefer, Mars' offensive chances were limited.

“The girls had the jitters for the first 10 minutes,” Gerlach said.

For a team that entered the game with 177 goals, the Planets (20-0-1) had just three shots on net.

It wasn't until 3:30 elapsed in the second half that the Planets doubled their lead when Kristen McKenzie rifled a shot past a diving Keefer.

“They had eight in the back and that's what they had to do to limit us,” Gerlach said. “When you get the second goal, they have to push forward. ... We saw them play Knoch the other night (a 3-1 victory) and it worked for them.

“When you play a team like us that scores a lot and does not give up a lot, it's tough. It made my girls feel like they're running downhill with the wind,” Gerlach added.

Mars added its final goal on a penalty kick by Mani Brueckner with 12:41 to play.

The Planets had several great shots in the second half, but Keefer made many outstanding stops. She finished with 16 saves.

“(E-F) did some nice things,” Gerlach said. “They had a system and they stuck with it.”

Mars makes its return visit to the finals having lost only three seniors from last year.

“We'll only lose three starters for next year, then four starters the next year. We don't have a class of eight or nine,” said Gerlach. “We have some great players coming off the bench. ... We just replenish.”

Like Mars, South Park has a very strong team and enjoyed much success with its program.

“We're just keeping our eyes open,” said Gerlach. “‘Who's next? What system? Who's open? How do you match up with their team's strengths?' It should be fun. We'll be challenged by a good team.”

Notes: The No. 13-seeded Warriors (12-8-1) knocked off Southmoreland 3-1 in a shootout to defeat the No. 4 and No. 5 seeds before reaching the first semifinal in the program's history. ... Like Mars, E-F has earned a PIAA playoff berth, also a first in school history.