Having to contend with 42 mph winds, torrential downpours and two lightning delays, the Dragons defeated the Bulldogs 2-0 in a contest that lasted just under three hours.

Warren played the first half downwind and struggled to keep the ball in play on the slick turf, but possessed the ball the majority of the first half. Neither team could score, and it was 0-0 heading into the second half.

Now going into the wind and rain, junior Lani Wenzel struck first when she found the top part of the goal with a perfect shot over the Meadville keeper.

Twenty-four minutes into the second half, lightning struck, which meant a 30-minute delay. Just six minutes after the first delay came the second one.

Warren’s Lilly Stanley wins the ball under pressure from a Meadville attacker Wednesday in Erie. Photo courtesy of Mark Evans

The Dragons came back on the field and were looking for an insurance goal. Senior Meea Irwin answered the call when she drilled a goal into the wind from 25 yards out to put Warren up 2-0.

Warren would hold on for the rest of the game, securing a hard-fought victory.

With the win, the Dragons advance to the Class 3A final to be played Tuesday at a time and place yet to be determined.