Heelan handles Regina (photo gallery)

It was a clash of Catholic schools in Muscatine Thursday as Sioux City Heelan handled Iowa City Regina 5-0 in the quarterfinals of the girls' Class 1A soccer state tournament.

Regina goal keeper Olivia Stenger saves a shot during their quarterfinal game against Bishop Heelan at the 2012 Iowa Girls High School State Soccer Championships Thursday, June 7, 2012 at the Muscatine Soccer Complex in Muscatine. Heelan won the game 5-0 to advance. (Brian Ray/The Gazette-KCRG)

Tayler Koolstra scored in the fourth minute of the game to set the tone. The initial shot was saved, but the rebound fell to Koolstra for the finish. Heelan carved through the Regals' unorganized back line with through balls, finding miles of space for their speedy forwards to run through. Taylor Beaulieu and Makayla Wessling added a goal each, both on breakaways.

The Regal defense struggled to step together, leaving attacking Crusaders onsides. Goalkeeper Olivia Stenger stayed on her line, giving forwards time and space to finish.

Stenger was more aggressive off her line in the second half, but she and the defense received little help from their offense that couldn't maintain much possession. Sam Tymkowicz and Kaitlynn Poss added a goal apiece in the second half.

Regal forward Zoe Dutchik - who recorded 45 goals this season - played the first half at center back to replace Magan McCusker who was red-carded in their last game. She was pushed to forward in the second half, but saw little of the ball.

“I've got to tip my hat to Bishop Heelan,” Regina Coach Jason Allgood said. “They're very sound, especially in the back.

The game pitted veterans against newcomers. This was Regina's first state appearance. This is the Crusader's twelfth trip to state.

“Experiences definitely helps,” Shawn Mansfield, Heelan head coach, said. “It helps you prepare mentally, you already have a routine because you've been here before with only 4 freshmen, everyone else has already been here.”

Regardless of yesterday's result, Regina had a strong season, especially sonsidering that this is only the program's eighth season in existence. They finished 14-3and beat a quality Dubuque Wahlert team in the regional final, 3-0.

Bishop Heelan moves on to play another Catholic school, Waterloo Columbus in the semifinal today at 2:15 in Muscatine. Columbus smashed Council Bluffs St. Albert 7-0.