Seven years after their first try at the state finals, the Golden Eagles are getting their second chance.
The Guerin Catholic girls soccer team is heading back to state, qualifying for the big meet after winning the Class 3A south semi-state at Lawrenceburg Saturday afternoon. The fourth-ranked Golden Eagles took care of No. 13 Columbus North 4-1 to punch their first ticket to state since 2010.
Ironically, Guerin played the Bull Dogs in its inaugural appearance at state. That was the last year of the one-class tournament, and Columbus North beat GC in penalty kicks.
This time, it’s a three-class affair, and there will be one game to play for the state trophy. The Golden Eagles will take on No. 1 Penn in the championship, which will be played at 8 p.m. Friday at the Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl at Butler University.
Guerin Catholic lead the Bull Dogs 2-0 at halftime Saturday. Elle Vuotto scored both of the Golden Eagles’ first-half goals, with Quincy McMahon providing an assist for the first score. In the second half, Cassidy Lindley put GC ahead 3-0 off a Vuotto assist, then Kelsie Smith got Guerin’s fourth goal.
With the win, the Golden Eagles improved to 16-1-1 for the season.
MILLERS EDGED BY PENN
The 3A girls state final was close to being an all-Hamilton County contest. But Penn, last year’s 2A state champion (this year is the first for three classes), denied fifth-ranked Noblesville by winning the north semi-state at Kokomo in penalty kicks, 5-4, after the two teams played to a 1-1 tie after regulation and overtime.
The Kingsmen got their goal in the 24th minute, when Kristina Lynch sent a ball to Maya Lacongato, who bounced it in. Penn played aggressively, but the Millers’ defense played strong, clearing out shots and getting saves from goalkeeper Amanda Carmosino.
Noblesville tied the game less than three minutes into the second half, when Jessica Hudnall booted a free kick 25 yards and over the Kingsmen’s goalkeeper. After that, the game continued its established pattern throughout the regulation and two extra periods.
Penn improved to 22-0-1, while the Millers finished their season 14-4-2. Noblesville had a fantastic season, winning the Hoosier Crossroads Conference title and defending its sectional and regional championships.
Members of the Noblesville girls soccer team congratulate Jessica Hudnall (15) after she scores a goal for the Millers during their semi-state game with Penn Saturday at Kokomo. (Kirk Green)