In the first of two Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference contests against rival Brunswick, the Eagles outchanced the Dragons, holding a significant advantage in shots (20-2) and penalty corners (16-1), but still were locked in a 0-0 deadlock as regulation ticked away.
Finally, after so many chances, including three goal posts, Mt. Ararat broke through, getting a Charlotte Crosby goal with 2:57 remaining for a hard-fought 1-0 victory.
The win gives the Eagles two victories in a row to even their record at 2-2, while Rebecca Costa’s Dragons, though playing gallantly, dropped to 0-3. Mt. Ararat hosts Brewer on Tuesday (4 p.m.), while Brunswick visits Oxford Hills Wednesday night at 6 p.m.
“All I could think of is here we go again into overtime, just like the first game last year against Brunswick (a 0-0 tie), and it is always a battle,” said Mt. Ararat coach Kelly LaFountain. “I think it was just a matter of being a little bit off. We had to keep plugging at it. Brunswick’s defense is strong and their goalie (Sydney Escoe, 19 saves) played great.”
“Everyone on this team played defense today and left everything on the field,” said Costa. “The kids marked up very well and came up with some big clears.
“It is always a good game with Mt. Ararat, and I think the girls got some confidence back after two tough opening games with Messalonskee and Lawrence.”
Crosby’s winner
“We kept getting the ball down by the post, and it was frustrating to not get it in, but we felt that we had this,” said Crosby of the time leading up to her game-winning goal. “You just have to keep trying until you get that one lucky shot.”
Brunswick once again managed to clear the 25 after Eagles pressure, but Mt. Ararat’s Mallory Nelson slapped the ball back towards the Dragons’ net. Micaela Mitchell battled with two Brunswick defenders, with Crosby managing to find an open spot, pushing the Mitchell pass past Escoe for the game’s only goal.
The Eagles had more than their share of golden chances. Carly Raymond, Caitlin LaFountain, Mitchell and Crosby each flirted with becoming the hero throughout the contest, but Escoe’s aggressiveness kept the Eagles frustrated.
“We kept our composure and got it in. Brunswick made it hard, and they wanted to win, but we wanted to win too and we got it done,” said Crosby.
Mt. Ararat held a 9-1 shot advantage in the opening 30 minutes. The Brunswick defensive combination of Taylor Godbout, Olivia LeRoy, Samm Clark and Elise Bourban did the yeoman’s share of the work down low, with hustle coming from Lillian Kjellman, Alexis Schneiderat and Michelle Ingram.
The second half was all Mt. Ararat. After Hannah Bobker was stopped by Mt. Ararat goaltender Taylor Pare (two saves), the Eagles pinned the Dragons into their defensive zone, rarely pushed out to the midfield stripe.
Mitchell had her team’s first great opportunity, with Escoe sticking out her right pad for the save, and LaFountain let loose a hard shot that ticked the outside of the goal post and harmlessly rolled out of bounds. Mitchell again found herself in front of the net, but LeRoy helped her goaltender, deflecting the ball away and clearing her zone.
But, Mt. Ararat refused to concede, and Crosby, who moments earlier was stopped again by Escoe, gave the Eagles reason to celebrate.
Mt. Ararat 1,
Brunswick 0
At Brunswick High School
Mt. Ararat — 0 1 — 1
Brunswick — 0 0 — 0
Goal — (MA) Charlotte Crosby.
Assist — (MA) Micaela Mitchell.
Shot on goal — Mt. Ararat, 20-2.
Saves — (MA) Taylor Pare 2; (B) Sydney Escoe 19.
Penalty corners — Mt. Ararat, 16-1.
Records — Mt. Ararat 2-2, Brunswick
0-3.
Next — The Eagles host Brewer on
Tuesday at 4 p.m., while the Dragons
visit Oxford Hills on Wednesday at 6
p.m.
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