October 31, 2015
Second Half Comeback Leads Brebeuf Jesuit to Class 2A Crown
Two second half goals within 15 minutes of each other lead Brebeuf Jesuit to their first girls soccer state championship with a 2-1 victory over Penn.
Right out of the gate, Penn got on the board in the 2nd minute with sophomore Kristina Lynch stealing the ball and converting the turnover into a goal, her 27th on the season. A fast paced start slowed for both teams, who were in search of their first girls soccer championships in school history. After the initial goal, the opening half remained scoreless as the defenses for both teams set in, with only a combined 3 shots on goal heading into the break.
The defensive duel continued into the second half, but the script altered in the 59th minute as sophomore Hallie Perason headed a corner kick to knot the score at one apiece. Another corner kick in the 74th minute found the back of the goal when junior Audrey Heile connected with a loose ball in heavy traffic. Both second half goals were assisted by Alia Martin, her 28th and 29th assists on the season.
Kingsmen goalie Mackenzie Wood had 7 saves, but Penn’s offense was held in check in the second half, with only one shot on goal the last 40 minutes. A corner kick in the final seconds fell short as the Braves were able to hold on and secure the state title.
Brebeuf Jesuit, coached by Angela White, ended their state finals run with a record of 22-2-1. The Kingsmen, under Coach Jeff Hart, wrapped up their season with a final record of 21-1-2.
Kamra Solomon of Penn wins Mental Attitude Award
Kamra Solomon of Penn High School was named the winner of the 2015 Mental Attitude Award, sponsored by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, for Girls Class 2A Soccer by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee.
The Kingsmen senior helped lead Penn to its fourth state finals appearance in school history. Kamra was named N.I.C. first-team All-Conference as well as First-team All-District in her senior season. She is a member of Penn’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a member of the Granger Community Church Youth Group, and also volunteers extensively at Logan’s Run, Hannah’s House, Irish Experience, and the South Bend Homeless Shelter. In addition to providing leadership on the soccer team, Kamra is also a member of the varsity girls’ basketball team, is a Principal’s Honor Roll Student, and has also been named the Kiwanis Student-Athlete of the month.
The daughter of Anthony and Tracy Solomon of Granger, Kamra plans to attend Furman University next year to study Physical Therapy.
The IHSAA Executive Committee, on behalf of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, will award a scholarship for $1,000 to Penn High School in the name of Kamra Solomon. Since 1989, more than $840,000 in college scholarships has been presented to deserving high school students in Indiana.