(CONTINUED)

 

    But Rustin goalie Kelsey Sward (14 saves) made some key save in the closing minutes and the Knights held on.
    “My kids played with a lot of heart and heart won today,” Knights coach Dale Watkins said. “This is where we were last year; we just have to take that next step.”
    Added Gallen: “Last year we went to the semifinals, but this year we’re older, more mature and we know what we have to do.”
    For Abington, the loss caused many tears to be shed. The Ghosts felt they had something to prove after settling for a tie with North Penn for the Suburban One National Conference tie after rumbling through most of the season undefeated.
    They wanted to show they could reach the semifinals and knock off a top seed. But coach Julie Martinez had only praise for her team’s comeback and its season overall.
    “We had opportunities,” said Martinez, who especially praised her three senior standouts (Lisa O’Donnell, Kelly Condon and Rachel Dirksen) and junior goalie Alisha Aquilino (12 saves). “We’re fighters and we play with heart, and some days it’s just not your time. Abington’s been knocking on the door the past few years. We have two losses this season – both by one goal.
    “So, there’s nothing to be ashamed of. This was a tremendous season by any means.”