Radnor girls win district lacrosse title

Radnor girls' lacrosse players have shirts that say "Just a little unfinished business" on the back. After winning the District 1 title, 8-6, over Springfield (Delco) on Friday, it's safe to say the Red Raiders finished some of what they set out to do when their season started in April.

"We stayed composed and just got the job done," senior attack Ali Kelly said after the game at West Chester Henderson.

Last year, Springfield (20-2) beat Radnor (22-1) in the same championship game, before the Red Raiders won the PIAA state title.

"It was a tough loss last year, and it feels good to get it this time around," Georgetown-bound senior midfielder Kelyn Freedman said.

"We definitely wanted it back. That hurt last year," Kelly added.

The championship game was suspended Thursday because of inclement weather with 2:37 left in the first half and Radnor up, 4-3. After two delays, it was decided that the remainder of the game would be played Friday.

No goals were scored in the rest of the first half, but Springfield opened the second half with three straight goals to take a 6-4 lead.

With 14 minutes remaining, Annie Woehling, the Radnor junior goalie who already has committed to Princeton, stopped an 8-meter shot. Cougars coach Keith Broome called it the turning point.

"You put the ball in the net, you're up by three and Radnor's starting to feel it a bit," he said.

Instead, the missed opportunity for the Cougars resulted in a turnover. The Red Raiders quickly moved the ball downfield, and senior Ellie Kraus, going to Vanderbilt next year, scored her first of two goals on an 8-meter shot.

Seniors scored all eight of the Red Raiders' goals.

"These seniors have shown such great leadership all year long that I just had a feeling they might get it done for us today," Radnor coach Phyllis Kilgour said.

In the last 12:41, Radnor scored three straight goals, won most of the draws, and held possession for long stretches, cementing the win.

Radnor, the No. 1 seed in the district, earned the top seed in the state tournament. The Red Raiders will play North Penn on Tuesday.

Springfield, the second seed in the state tournament, will face Strath Haven. The Cougars could meet Radnor for a third time this season in the state final.

Springfield (Delco)   3 3 – 6

Radnor   4 4 – 8

Goals: S-Shannon Burns 2, Valerie Paolucci 2, Maddy Lynch, Courtney Kennedy; R- Ali Kelly 3, Kelyn Freedman 2, Ellie Kraus 2, Allie Martin.

Saves: S-Janel Folkomer 6; R-Annie Woehling 13.