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Harriton thumps Radnor in semifinal

Melina Avery knew what people were saying about the Harriton girls' lacrosse team entering its rematch with Radnor: The Rams couldn't beat the top-seeded Red Raiders, not again.

Melina Avery knew what people were saying about the Harriton girls' lacrosse team entering its rematch with Radnor:

The Rams couldn't beat the top-seeded Red Raiders, not again.

On Tuesday at West Chester Henderson, however, the Rams quieted the doubters, rolling over the Red Raiders, 15-6, in the semifinals of the District 1 tournament.

"I think we really just showed today that we are the better team," said Avery, a junior goalie. "It's always good to come out and play games like that."

The Rams will go for the program's first District 1 championship since 1976, when they face Springfield (Delco) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at West Chester East.

Thanks to a spirited performance on defense and six goals from senior Caleigh Foust, the Rams (20-2) went up early, 4-1, and never looked back against a Radnor team that they had beaten, 10-9, during the Central League regular season.

"My team was doing really well communicating and playing well together," Avery said. "I could say something good about every player on the field, that they contributed to this win, and that is really important."

Defensively, the Rams were high-energy and seemingly everywhere on the field, breaking up passes by Radnor (16-4) on almost every Red Raiders possession.

"My defense was just really on today, and they have been the past couple of games," Avery said. "That's always nice to have as a goalie."

On the offensive end, Harriton was running on all cylinders, using its speed to its advantage and creating open space with excellent ball movement.

"Our motivation is when you win the draw you win the game, so I think right from the beginning if you can get out ahead, you've got it," Foust said.

Foust ran all over Radnor defenders, as the Red Raiders never looked comfortable defending her.

Thursday's final will be a rematch for the Rams, who lost to Springfield, 11-8, in early April during Central League regular-season play.

With such a familiar opponent, there might be doubters, but the Rams are used to that.

Harriton 6 9 – 15

Radnor 3 3 – 6

Goals: H-Caleigh Foust 6, Sabrina Tabasso 3, Katie Melvin 3, Julia Marks, Jane Henderson 2; R-Sara Curley, Hannah Proctor, Taylor Quinn, Shannon Quinn 2, Candace Hino.

Saves: H-Melina Avery 9; R-Grace Collins 4, Maddie Lally 2.