Warsaw to play St. Joe in Saturday's regional final
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Dale Hubler-dhubler@timesuniononline.com
GOSHEN – While her last name sounds like footwear, Warsaw junior Abby Schue’s nickname could very well be gloves. In a regional semifinal match at Goshen High School Wednesday night, the talented goalkeeper made diving save after diving save, helping the Lady Tigers preserve a 2-1 win over Penn. With the victory, Warsaw advanced to Saturday’s 7 p.m. regional final against No. 4 South Bend St. Joe, which beat Concord 3-0 in Wednesday’s first semifinal. The Lady Kingsmen outshot Warsaw 11-4, but Schue’s presence in the net and goals by seniors Meredith Hollar and Gabby Monroy kept the Lady Tigers’ season alive. “I thought it was evenly played,” said Warsaw coach Dan Miller. “Penn had more shots, but some of them were from 20 or 30 yards out. I like my keeper’s chances on those. Abby had some spectacular saves tonight. I’ve seen that from her all year. I think she’s one of the best keepers in the state.” Schue tallied four saves in the win, while Penn junior Ashley Waite made two saves. Warsaw improved to 13-4-2, while the Lady Kingsmen’s season ended with an 11-5-4 mark. “We were the more experienced team and our seniors wanted it,” said Miller, whose starting lineup features eight seniors. “We have a lot of senior leadership.” That senior leadership was on display from the opening kick, as Monroy assisted Hollar on a goal 17 seconds into the game. The goal came so quick, fans were still making their way to their seats. Even Miller admitted he only saw the end result. “To be honest, on the first goal, I only saw the end result,” said Miller. “But on both goals, Gabby showed great composure. We were the more experienced team tonight.” Penn knotted the game at 1-1 in the 42nd minute with senior Kamra Solomon’s goal. Monroy, on an assist from Hollar, provided the game-winning goal in the 54th minute. “Give Gabby credit for being composed,” said Miller. “In 1-on-1 situations like that we tell them to take their time.” Now the Lady Tigers face the St. Joe Lady Indians (18-2), the team that ended Warsaw’s season last year. St. Joe beat Warsaw 4-2 in the regional semifinal a year ago and finished the season as Class 2A state runner-up. “St. Joe is tough and we know we have a challenge on Saturday,” said Miller. “We’ll practice hard the next two days and be ready to go. We have motivation. They put us out of the regional last year.”
GOSHEN REGIONAL WARSAW 2, PENN 1 (first half) W – Meredith Hollar (Gabby Monroy assist) 1st minute (second half) P – Kamra Solomon (unassisted) 42nd minute W – Monroy (Hollar assist) 54th minute Shots on goal – Warsaw 4, Penn 11; Corners – Warsaw 1, Penn 5; Saves – Abby Schue (War) 11, Ashley Waite (Penn) 2; Records: Warsaw 13-4-2, Penn 11-5-4
Other semifinal: St. Joe 3, Concord 0 Records: St. Joe 18-2, Concord 15-2-2
Championship: Warsaw vs. Concord Saturday, 7 p.m. at Goshen High School
