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Thirty-four minutes had passed in Saturday's Class 3A girls soccer state semifinal, and Bethesda-Chevy Chase still hadn't scored on Baltimore County's Hereford. The game, at North Point High in Waldorf, was just the third time all season the Barons didn't score in the first 10 minutes.

But U-15 U.S. National Team midfielder Alex Doll finally eased B-CC's nerves in the 35th minute. The sophomore finished a cross from senior forward Hannah Richardson to give the Barons a 1-0 lead that would last the rest of the night.

The goal was Doll's 12th of the year; she has also tallied 19 assists. Saturday's win clinched B-CC's fifth state final appearance and second in three years. The Barons (16-0) have won two state titles, most recently in 2004.

Saturday marked Hereford's fifth state tournament appearance, and first since the Bulls' only state championship in 2000. Hereford finished the year 11-4-1.

B-CC will battle Harford County's Fallston, which eliminated Calvert County's Northern on penalty kicks in Saturday's other semifinal, in the state championship game. They will play Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County in Catonsville.

"It's been an awesome journey," Doll said. "I'm so happy for the seniors; they can end their career on a happy note. Last year was such a sad ending [in the regional final] …

"I think in the beginning we were a little bit nervous; states is a big deal. We had a lot of chances but we didn't capitalize. But we were able to get that one. That's something we'll have to work on."

With players the caliber of Doll, senior forward Hannah Cooper (26 goals, 11 assists) and sophomore Vic Gersh (11, 19) up top, among others, B-CC has scored 86 goals this year. So, understandably, much of the attention has been on its well-crafted offense.

But its back line, helmed by senior goalie Hannah Hoffman, senior Charlotte Detchon and freshman Hannah Levin, has been just as strong. The Barons only play with three at the back, but their speed and tenacity makes it seem like there are five or six defenders back there.

The Barons' defense has only allowed five goals and shut out 13 opponents this fall. And it's come up huge in the postseason. B-CC has been just as reliant on its ability to shut down opposing offenses as on its own to score.

"To do what we do, the three have to be real solid," B-CC coach Rob Kurtz said. "And that's a true test to them. Hannah Hoffman, Charlotte, Hannah Levin, the defense, they've all had MVP-caliber seasons. The defense is the foundation. It all starts from the defense."

B-CC uncharacteristically struggled to finish some chances Saturday. The Barons weren't getting the strong final touches in the box they're used to, but as they've done all year, netted one when they needed it.

The Barons have been so dominant this fall, but the opponents get better as you advance in the state tournament. Fallston (17-0), anchored by senior forwards Monica Fischer (16, 19), Jill Dozier (13, 12) and Erin Lynn (13, 9), has outscored its opponents, 72-11.

It'll be important for the Barons to play with the poise and intellect that's carried them this far.

"B-CC brings so much experience to the field," Hereford coach Nancy Ferguson said. "Players like that raise the level of everyone on the field. They have a solid team from the first girl to the last girl. They're knowledgeable and patient; they're just an extremely composed team."