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Radnor girls win lacrosse semifinal

Using speed and a precision passing attack, Radnor raced past Unionville, 23-14, in a PIAA state girls' lacrosse semifinal Tuesday at West Chester East.

Using speed and a precision passing attack, Radnor raced past Unionville, 23-14, in a PIAA state girls' lacrosse semifinal Tuesday at West Chester East.

The Red Raiders will defend their state championship Saturday at HersheyPark Stadium against Springfield (Delco).

Two weeks ago, Radnor (25-1) posted a 12-9 win over Unionville (22-4), and the rematch was expected to be defense-oriented.

"I really didn't expect such a high-scoring game," said senior Kelyn Freedman, who scored three goals and had four assists for Radnor.

But the Red Raiders' offense, powered by Freedman, Courtney Campbell and Allie Martin, went into high gear from the opening draw.

Behind a goal and an assist from Campbell, and goals from Martin and Amalia Antonoplos, the Red Raiders bolted to a 3-0 lead in the opening 31/2 minutes.

Unionville called a time-out and regrouped, taking a 4-3 lead behind two goals from Erin Linthicum.

It appeared the momentum had shifted to the Indians, but Radnor coach Phyllis Kilgour decided not to call a time-out to settle her team.

"I thought about calling time, but I could see from their body language that they had it under control," Kilgour said. "We start 10 seniors who've played together since middle school. They know how to get it done."

Kilgour's confidence in her team reaped dividends as Radnor responded with nine consecutive goals - three each from Freedman and Campbell - to regain the lead, 12-4, with 50 seconds left in the first half.

The Red Raiders began to move the ball around and created virtually uncontested scoring opportunities in taking control of the game. During the first half, Radnor won 11 of 18 draws.

"Winning the draws was a huge part of the game today," Freedman said. "That helped get our transition game going. We thrive on it, but we can play a settled attack as well.

"I was working all game to get everyone involved. I had my head up all the time looking for the open girl when I got doubled."

Campbell, who led all players with six goals and added four assists, concurred.

"Our biggest strength is coming off the transition and getting the quick pass," Campbell said. "We did a good job today of making the defense slide over, and that leaves an attacker open."

Defensively, behind senior defender Alyssa Dunlap, Radnor became more aggressive and harassed the Unionville attack.

In the second half, Radnor and Unionville traded goals before Martin scored three straight in a span of 2 minutes, 30 seconds to push the lead to 17-8.

Unionville 5 9 - 14

Radnor 12 11 - 23

Goals: U-Liz Carney 5, Erin Linthicum 2, Julie Moran 1, Lisa Riondet 2, Lindsey Smith 4; R-Amalia Antonoplos 3, Courtney Campbell 6, Kelyn Freedman 3, Ali Kelly 3, Ellie Kraus 2, Allie Martin 5, Kristen Norden 1.

Saves: R-Anne Woehling 7; U-Melissa Lloyd 5.