Lynch Leads Way As Penn Wins State Soccer Title
INDIANAPOLIS – The Penn girls soccer team lived up to its lofty ranking.
Kristina Lynch also proved once again why she’s the best soccer play in the state.
Lynch capped an amazing high school career in style Friday night in leading her Kingsmen squad past Guerin Catholic in the Class 3-A state championship contest.
The selfless Lynch assisted on both scores as No. 1 ranked Penn won 2-0 to claim its second straight state title at Butler University.
Penn, which was also ranked No. 1 nationally, caps a 23-0-1 season for coach Jeff Hart. The Kingsmen, who now have a 47-game unbeaten streak, allowed just four goals all season in one of the most dominating runs in girls soccer history.
The Kingsmen scored a pair of goals in the second half to top No. 4 Guerin Catholic. Molly McLaughlin scored in the 54th minute, assisted by Lynch, for a 1-0 lead. Maya Lacognato then added an insurance tally in the 61st minute, also assisted by Lynch, for the 2-0 final.
Penn keeper Mackenzie Wood was her usual brilliant self in goal for the champions. The Northwestern recruit had three saves in the victory.
Penn had a 19-8 edge in total shots in the match and a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks. Each team had seven fouls in the contest.
Guerin Catholic, which finishes at 16-2-1, had allowed just three goals all season prior to Friday night.
Guerin keeper Claire Gavin had 12 saves in the match.
Penn beat Brebeuf in the state championship game a year ago after losing to them in the finale in 2015.
Lynch, an All-American and Florida State recruit, finished the season with 44 goals and 19 assists.
Lynch also earned the prestigious Mental Attitude Award following the contest. The Indiana Player of the Year as a junior, Lynch carries a 4.2 GPA and ranks in the top five percent of her class at Penn.