Ryan wins 4th straight PCL crown

Jules Blank could only describe how she felt with one word.

"Surreal."

After Archbishop Ryan's 3-0 win over Lansdale Catholic to win the Catholic League girls' soccer title, there was not a moment when a smile left the senior's face.

It was Blank's - and the Ragdolls' - fourth consecutive championship.

Although Blank had been the heart of the offense, she wasn't sure how much of an impact she would have Saturday afternoon at her home field.

Blank has been battling a knee injury that she suffered a few weeks before the match.

Even though she was patched up, the pain was still there.

But she played as if she was 100 percent healthy.

Two minutes into the game, Blank was heading toward the Crusaders' goal when a pass from Erin McIntyre came her way.

Blank scored to put the Ragdolls up 1-0.

The senior later assisted on a goal by Taylor Woods.

In the second half, Blank had a moment that would normally test a player's confidence: She missed a penalty kick wide to the left - a shot that would have put the Ragdolls ahead, 3-0.

Two minutes later, she had a chance at redemption, as Lansdale Catholic fouled another Ryan player in the box.

When coach Ryan Haney called on her to take the kick, he heard a few rumblings in the crowd questioning his decision.

But he knew it was the right move.

"My money is that she isn't missing two," Haney said with a smile.

Blank proved him right, sending the ball past the outstretched right hand of the keeper.

It could have been a much closer game.

Tayah Naudascher's name didn't appear on the scoring sheet, but her presence was felt just as much as Blank's.

The four-year starter was everywhere, seeming to stop every chance the Crusaders could mount.

"She's such a great defender. She had to move to a sweeper position and hasn't missed a beat," Haney said.

Ryan has won six of the last 11 Catholic League titles. Haney said the senior class made this one special.

"They're fun to watch. They're fun to coach. They're fun to be around," he said.

Blank had the same thoughts about her counterparts.

"I'm just so happy I got to win with the 11 seniors here. It's just surreal."

Lansdale Catholic 0 0 - 0

Archbishop Ryan 2 1 - 3

Goals: AR- Jules Blank 2; Taylor Woods.

Saves: AR- Devon McDonald 5.

tnewcomb@phillynews.com