Possession is nine-tenths of the law, and in this case the St. Joseph Flyers made the ruling.

The Flyers kept possession of the ball en route to an 8-0 win over the Portsmouth Clay Panthers Monday in the Division III sectional soccer tournament.

“We were able to control possession of the ball which showed in the shots on goal stat,” said Flyers’ head coach Dan Blair of his team’s 40 shots on goal.

“This win was a total team effort. Of the eight goals scored, seven were off assists by teammates.”

Chad Harvey and Payton Blair did most of the damage. Harvey had four goals while Blair finished with two goals and three assists.

Sunni Clyse also had a first half unassisted goal at the 11:04 mark while Levi Hopkins closed out the Flyers’ scoring with a goal in the second half.

While the Flyers had 40 shots on goal, Clay goalie Holly Hempill registered 21 saves.

“You have to give the young Clay team credit,” said Blair.

St. Joseph (12-2-2) advances to play at 5 p.m. Wednesday at South Webster.

Clay ends the season 2-15.

Portsmouth Clay 0 0 = 0

St. Joseph 6 2 = 8

First Half

SJ – Chad Harvey goal (assist Payton Blair) 36:38

SJ – Chad Harvey goal (assist Caleb Blackburn) 35:13

SJ – Sunni Clyse unassisted goal 11:04

SJ – Payton Blair goal (assist Caleb Blackburn) 6:45

SJ– Payton Blair goal (assist Joey Basedow) 1:35

SJ – Chad Harvey goal (assist Payton Blair) 0:38

Second Half

SJ – Chad Harvey head off throw-in by Joey Basedow 9:18

SJ – Levi Hopkins goal (assist Payton Blair) 17:12

Fast Facts

Shots on goal: St. Joseph 40, Portsmouth Clay 4.

Keeper saves: St. Joseph: Joe Unger 4; Clay: Hempill 21.