Leaving last season behind

YARMOUTH — The Wells High School field hockey team easily defeated Yarmouth, 3-0, Monday afternoon.

But what could be the bigger story would be that the Warriors are having a drastically different season in 2009 than in 2008.

Last season, the Warriors finished 2-4-4. After their win against Yarmouth, Wells is 5-1, which ranks them third in the Maine Principal Association Heal Point Standings as of Monday night.

Haleigh Hudson scored two goals during the Monday afternoon victory over the Clippers (0-6), with another goal added late in the game by

Abby Fenstermaker.

Throughout the first half, Wells showed off their offensive skills by attacking the Clippers’ side of the field, while keeping the ball in the area for most of the first half. Hudson scored the lone goal, with 22 minutes left to play in the half.

Yarmouth started strong in the second half, putting pressure on the Warriors side of the field for the first 10 minutes of the second half. However, the Clippers barely sniffed any goal opportunities, as Wells goalie Deanna Gamache only needed two saves to earn the shutout, while the Warriors defenders quickly moved the ball back to the other side of the field.

Near the end of the second half, Wells turned the tide on Yarmouth, putting the pressure back on the Clippers defense, which resulted in Hudson scoring her second goal of the game and Festermaker scoring her goal in the final 15 minutes.

Hudson said one of the strengths of the Warriors this season is their defensive play, as well as an improved offense.

“We have a really strong defense,” Hudson said. “I feel like we’re just shooting at the goal, shooting at the goal. That’s where we’re getting opportunities, always getting after the goal. Our offense is stronger now than last year.”

Hudson said Wells is still working on playing a full game, but there are times when the team might let up slightly.

“Our main goal is to play 60 minutes,” Hudson said. “Sometimes we let down, which isn’t the best. But we want to play a whole game and stay strong, and play as a team.”

As of Monday night, Wells trailed only Maranacook (5-1) and York High School (5-0) in the Class B West standings. York has given the Warriors their only loss of the season, but Wells will have a chance at revenge when it travels to York for a regular season rematch on Sep. 29.

“York is going to be a good game,” Hudson said. “Playing Greely again, which is a top player. We’ll just see where it goes.”