Northwestern Lehigh had controlled much of Wednesday’s Colonial League girls soccer semifinal, but suddenly found itself facing a little adversity.

Moravian Academy had cut a two-goal deficit in half early in the second period, putting some pressure on the top-seeded Tigers.

Sophia Schaffer made sure the momentum didn’t last.

Schaffer scored twice in the second half to complete a hat trick, helping Northwestern pull away for a 5-1 victory and secure a spot in Saturday’s league championship game against No. 2 Notre Dame-Green Pond.

“I think when they scored their goal, going 2-1, we did a really good job persevering and not getting down on each other,” Schaffer said. “I think the dynamic of the game shifted a lot depending on how the wind was and what side we were going to. But I think we did a really good job adapting.”

Northwestern coach Jordan Smith agreed that the Tigers responded well after a brief lapse.

“We took our foot off the pedal for a little bit, but we figured it out,” Smith said.

The Tigers (18-1-1) established control early, using their possession and defensive pressure to keep Moravian Academy from generating many opportunities.

Juliet Snyder opened the scoring with 25:24 remaining in the first half, converting a pass from Schaffer. Just 25 seconds later, Schaffer found the net off an assist from Madison Mills to make it 2-0.

“Early on, we were just very calm under pressure,” Smith said. “We possessed the ball really well. We utilized our outside backs to get involved in the attack, and that kind of kick-started things working up the field.”

Northwestern maintained its two-goal advantage into halftime, with Moravian Academy struggling to create chances against the Tigers’ defense.

The Lions (8-6-4) finally broke through when Elena Reid scored with 29:16 remaining in the second half, trimming the deficit to 2-1.

But Northwestern quickly regained control.

Schaffer scored with 22:24 remaining off an assist from Dylan Ritter, then added another goal with 16:22 left, again set up by Ritter, to extend the lead to 4-1.

Sophia Varvarelis capped the scoring with 7:37 remaining, converting a pass from Amelia Glassberg.

Smith credited the Tigers’ strong start with giving them an advantage, particularly while playing into a stiff wind during the opening half.

“Getting those early goals,” Smith said when asked about the turning point. “It was going to be a really tough first half. They’re a really good team. The wind was pretty brutal, and we were able to stay in the attack and finish some off.”

While Schaffer’s offensive performance highlighted the victory, both she and Smith emphasized the contributions throughout Northwestern’s lineup.

“I think everything starts from our back line,” Schaffer said.

She praised goalkeeper Brystol Hamm for her aggressive play and ability to come off her line, along with center backs Ava Snyder and Rylan Snyder for their communication and positioning.

“They did a really good job stepping when they had to and dropping and just communicating with each other really well,” Schaffer said. “I think that kind of just translated up the field as well. It led us to get as many opportunities as possible.”

Smith also credited Northwestern’s midfielders for moving the ball effectively and helping the Tigers maintain possession.

“I think that was just a really good team effort,” Smith said. “Our defense did a really good job in the first half when they had the wind at their backs, not allowing them to get up in the attack.”

For Northwestern, advancing to another Colonial League championship game represents the first step toward its postseason goals.

“It’s our first goal of the season,” Smith said. “It’s the first championship you come across, so it’s always nice to get there.”

Schaffer believes the experience of having to respond to Moravian Academy’s second-half goal could benefit the Tigers as the competition gets tougher.

“We’re definitely going to face a lot of adversity in the postseason, so getting that experience now is definitely good,” she said. “I hope that it’ll prepare us in the future for sure.”

MOVING ON ... Northwestern will face Notre Dame-Green Pond on Saturday with a chance to capture the league championship.

Northwestern Lehigh 5,

Moravian Academy 1

Moravian Academy 0 1 — 1

Northwestern Lehigh 2 3 — 5

Goals: NW — Sophia Schaffer 3, Juliet Snyder 1, Sophia Varvarelis 1; MA — Elena Reid 1. Assists: NW — Dylan Ritter 2, Sophia Schaffer 1, Madison Mills 1, Amelia Glassberg 1.

Records: Northwestern Lehigh 18-1-1 (14-0 CL); Moravian Academy 8-6-4 (7-4-4 CL).