"This feels awesome," said the 5-foot-3 Norden, who contributed a first-half score. "We stuck to the game plan on attack, and we kept our composure throughout. It was one of our better efforts."
Against No. 8 seed Conestoga, third-seeded Radnor, which captured its third district championship in the last five seasons, avenged a 15-7 loss on April 19.
"The biggest difference was coming out and winning the draws," Red Raiders coach Brooke Fritz said. "Also, we were able to run our plays, get good looks at the goal, and capitalize on our opportunities."
After three seasons as a Radnor assistant, Fritz, who played lacrosse at Shipley and Bates College, replaced longtime boss Phyllis Kilgour last year. Kilgour won six district titles in 32 seasons at the school.
On Wednesday, in the opening round of the state tournament, Radnor (19-4) will face Hatboro-Horsham, District 1's No. 7 seed. Conestoga (15-8) will meet Great Valley, the district's No. 5 seed.
With the Georgetown-bound Miller netting three goals, Radnor was ahead, 7-4, at the break. Four straight goals in the first five minutes of the second half put the contest out of reach.
"We were expecting a big challenge from Conestoga," said Norden, who is headed to Colgate. "They've been doing awesome this year."
Abby Lord and Maggie Friel scored two goals apiece for Conestoga. Junior Grace Collins (two saves in the first half) and senior Colleen Packer (six in the second) shared the goaltending duties for Radnor.
Libby Lowry, who will continue her career at Duquesne, put the Red Raiders up by 12-5 with 8 minutes, 12 seconds remaining.
"We've made it this far, which is great, but we really want to win the state title," Norden said. "It won't be easy, but we have big hopes."
Conestoga 4 3 – 7
Radnor 7 7 – 14
Goals: C-Abby Lord 2, Maggie Friel 2, Kelly Morrison, Megan McGillis, Britta Hjelm; R-Natalie Miller 4, Libby Lowry 3, Taryn Deck 2, Shannon Quinn 2, Kristen Norden, Amelie Yeager, Moira Mahoney.
Saves: C-Sarah Priem 6; R-Grace Collins 2, Colleen Packer 6.
Contact Rick O'Brien at 610-313-8019, robrien@phillynews.com, or @ozoneinq on Twitter. Read his blog, "The O'Zone," at www.philly.com/ozone
