Solomon literally saves spot in final for Radnor

DOWNINGTOWN >> There wasn’t a lot more that Alexa Solomon could have done to ensure Radnor’s spot in the District One championship. In Tuesday’s semifinal showdown with Garnet Valley at Downingtown West High School, the junior goalie made the biggest saves of her life.
“I was definitely nervous, very anxious,” Solomon said. “Especially after they got that free position, I was a little bit nervous.”

Garnet Valley freshman Reagan Nealon, who beat Solomon earlier in the second half, lined up to take the free-position shot with two minutes to play. With the Raiders clinging to a one-goal lead, Solomon denied Nealon. GV’s Riley Delaney picked up the rebound and fired a missile in Solomon’s direction. Solomon denied Delaney, too.
Two gigantic saves in a row. Solomon had one more stop in her as she thwarted a Madi O’Brien shot in the waning moments. Ninth-seeded Radnor secured possession and ran out the clock on a 7-6 victory over No. 4 Garnet Valley. Due in part to Solomon’s stellar goalkeeping late in regulation, Radnor advanced to the District One final to face sixth-seeded Owen J. Roberts Thursday at West Chester East High.

The Raiders gave themselves plenty of time to enjoy this one. “I just really wanted to win. I wanted to do whatever it would take to get us the win,” Solomon said. “Garnet is one of our really big rivals, so it always feels good to beat them.”
Katie Quinn was the hero on attack for the Raiders. The George Washington-bound senior scored off a free-position shot with 3:42 left to give the Raiders the 7-6 lead they would not relinquish. That was a pretty sweet moment for Quinn.

“When it’s just me out on the free-position line, I try to silence everything as much as I can, and focus on certain words that people are saying, whether it’s to shoot low or shoot high or whatever,” said Quinn, who had solo tallies in each half. “I try to make the right choices.”

Quinn unleashed a shot beyond the reach of Garnet Valley goalie Lauren Kinnee (five saves). “That felt good,” Quinn said.
Tuesday’s clash among Central League powers was a defensive struggle. Solomon received plenty of help from defenders Abby Lord, Nicole Massimino, Fallon Quinn and Allison Lanzone. Kerry Hamill came up with what appeared to be a caused turnover, prior to Nealon’s free position, but was called for shooting space instead.

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