FREEPORT — The struggles continued for the Old Orchard Beach field hockey team on Saturday, as the Seagulls fell to Freeport 5-0.
“It’s a huge struggle. It’s like an uphill battle every game,” said head coach Carolyn Mehlman. “I had 12 girls today. I have a lot of new people.”
The Seagulls played Freeport even for the first part of the first half, until Olivia Bubar scored midway through. Bubar scored again less than four minutes later as Freeport began to take control. Korissa Lavers scored for the Falcons with less than five minutes to go in the half, and they led 3-0 at the break.
Freeport made sure to keep the momentum going, as Dayze Gaulin scored less than a minute into the second half. Lavers scored midway through the half to round out the scoring.
Despite the lopsided tally, it wasn’t a walk in the park for Freeport, said head coach Sara Dimick.
“We certainly had a slower start today,” said Dimick. “Old Orchard Beach is always a tough team. They did the best they could considering their lower numbers. They still gave us a tough game.”
The score could have been even more one-sided, if not for the play of Old Orchard Beach goalie Colleen Dyer. She finished with 16 saves, including 12 in the first half.
“Colleen is the best. She’s just great,” said Mehlman. “She’s such a great leader on the field. I don’t even want to think where we’d be without her.”
With the loss, the Seagulls dropped to 0-4 on the young season, but Mehlman said the girls are taking strides every game.
“I thought our passing was much better today, probably the best of the four games that we’ve played,” said Mehlman. “Offensively, I saw some great things, some nice passes. Our shots went wide, but they were really nice shots on goal.”
Daphne Allen and Emilie Chard each had a few chances on goal, and put some pressure on the Freeport defense, but the ball wasn’t bouncing the Seagulls’ way.
The tough start to the season is compounded by the fact that Old Orchard Beach didn’t play any preseason games, so there has been a feeling-out process for the Seagulls, said Mehlman.
“They’ve been doing great. They’ve done everything I’ve asked. But it’s like being thrown into the lion’s den,” said Mehlman.
Mehlman said she is optimistic that things will get better, and that the team isn’t defined by its record.
“I know we’re 0-4, but I don’t think that reflects how we’ve been playing,” said Mehlman, noting that they had their chances against Freeport. “There are some definite things we need to work on. I think things will go better the second half of the season.”
The Seagulls will continue their quest for the first win of the season when they host North Yarmouth Academy today at 4 p.m.
— Contact Wil Kramlich at 282-1535, Ext. 323 or follow him on Twitter @WilTalkSports.
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