YAIAA girls' lacrosse final about net rewards for Orner, Boone
On mobile? Click here to watch Susquehannock and Kennard-Dale in a regular-season meeting.
When a Susquehannock girls' lacrosse practice ends, Katelyn Welch and Amber Orner get together.
Welch, the attacker, takes shots at Orner, the goalkeeper.
They are two of the three seniors on Susquehannock (16-1), which will challenge and play host to league power Kennard-Dale (17-0) in Thursday's YAIAA championship game. The matchup pairs not only the league's top two teams from the regular season, but the top-ranked teams in the District 3 ratings. Behind that success are two goalies, seasoned every day by matching up in practice against their own stout offenses.
At Kennard-Dale, the Rams have indoctrinated freshman Clare Boone with that task.
On a mobile device? Click here to watch highlights of the Susquehannock-York Catholic semifinal
"I think we've got two teams that like to shoot the ball, two good defenses and some really good goalie play with the freshman and the senior," Susquehannock coach Steve Marshner said. "I think that's the contrast. You've got the freshman and the senior, and they're both great."
Boone emerged by Kennard-Dale's season opener as the starter in the eyes of coach Kelly Wetzel. Like Orner, Susquehannock's three-year starter, Boone has provided the last roadblock for opponents hoping to keep up with a high-octane offense.
It's already difficult equaling the Rams' scoring pace. They are led by senior Morgan Day and her side pursuit of the national girls' scoring record. Add Boone's production in goal, which includes a 10-save performance in early April at Susquehannock, and Kennard-Dale has as much stopping power. The Rams won their only regular-season meeting with the Warriors, 11-6, to set up Thursday's rematch in the league final.
On a mobile device? Click here to for Kennard-Dale vs. West York highlights
"After that game, we knew this was our last shot to play them," Orner said. "I've wanted to beat them my entire life in lacrosse."
Few teams in the YAIAA have been able to take down Kennard-Dale. York Catholic pulled off the win in last year's title game. The Rams were without injured Lyndsey Duty, who has returned this season as their assist leader.
Orner hopes to frustrate that offense like she does to Welch during and after practice.
"She's one of the best shooters I've ever played with," Orner said. "Her shots after practice are so good and help me so much. She puts them where she knows I need to work."
It's paid to the point that last season Wetzel said he thought Orner was the league's top goalkeeper. Even with such billing, she is undecided between a few colleges and if she will even play lacrosse past high school.
Marshner said he hopes the next few games could sway her.
Contact Matt Goul at 771-2045.
YAIAA girls' lacrosse championship
Who: Kennard-Dale vs. Susquehannock
When, where: 5:30 p.m. at Susquehannock
Last meeting: Kennard-Dale won, 11-6, on April 2.
Susquehannock projected lineup
Attackers: Ashley Valway, sr., Katelyn Welch, sr., Maddie Ellis, jr., Kayla Held, so.
Midfielders: Gena Speights, so., Kate LeBlanc, so., Rachel Marshner, so.
Defense: Haley Martinez., Rachel Miller, jr., Michella Salvitti, jr., Katelin Tyler, so.
Goalkeeper: Amber Orner, sr.,
Coach: Steve Marshner
Kennard-Dale projected lineup
Attackers: Emily Livezy, sr., Hannah Bracey, jr., Madeline Day, fr.
Midfielders: Morgan Day, sr., Lyndsey Duty, sr., Emmie Dressel, so., Morgan Bowings, fr.,
Defense: Brooke Davis, sr., Lauren Berger, jr., Katie Kincaid, jr., Brooke Seibert, so.
Goalkeeper: Clare Boone, fr.
Coach: Kelly Wetzel