Centore, Renk lead K’bunk into semis

KENNEBUNK — Three goals by Molly Centore and solid goaltending by Kellie Renk helped lift No. 4 Kennebunk to a 7-4 win over No. 5

Massabesic, in a Western Maine Class A girls lacrosse playoff quarterfinal at Veterans Memorial Field Wednesday afternoon.

The Rams (9-4), who have appeared in three consecutive State Championship games, called on their playoff experience to rebuff a strong challenge by Massabesic (6-7) to earn a semifinals date with No. 1 Scarborough, slated for Saturday at 1p.m.

“I’m excited for Saturday,” said Centore, a junior attack. “The game’s going to be this close, too.”

It’s hard to imagine it being much closer than the scare Massabesic threw at them.

After making up almost all of a four-goal first half deficit, the Mustangs managed to stay within two goals until the final two minutes,

keeping a little too close for Kennebunk’s comfort.

“I knew they weren’t going to give up,” said Rams coach Annie Barker, “and that they weren’t going to go away. That’s why we needed (to control the ball). To slow the game down.”

Kennebunk raced to a 4-0 lead within the opening 7:48, with Centore netting the first two goals.

At that point, the Rams appeared to be in for an easy afternoon.

But such was not the case.

Massabesic stormed back with goals from Jenna Cyr, Amber Rollins and Nikki Smith to cut the margin to 4-3 heading into halftime.

“It could have gotten away from us,” said Mustangs coach Brooks Bowen.

“But it didn’t. They just kept right on fighting. They didn’t let anything get them down.”

Said Centore, “It was really scary when they came back. We had them by four, and then they got up. It was matter of us getting our heads in the game.”

Centore made it 5-3 in the early moments of the second half after barging netward.

Renk kept the Mustangs at bay with a handful of strong saves, including one on a free position attempt by Cyr, 8:41 into the half.

Rollins scored a minute later to make it a one goal game again.

But the Rams were able to control the ball most of the rest of the way, and got all the breathing room they needed when both Camille Auger and Emily Kessel added insurance goals.