Despite contributions from four different Rams, No. 5 Gorham couldn’t keep pace with No. 4 Scarborough in the teams’ quarterfinals matchup last Wednesday, June 10. Reagan Emerson led the Rams with a pair of goals, but the Red Storm’s offensive output dwarfed Gorham’s. Final score: 16-5.

Gorham’s loss bounced them from playoff contention; they retire for the year at 7-6. Scarborough’s pair of wins advanced them to 10-4. They traveled to No. 2 Marshwood for the A West Final on Wednesday, the 17th, after the American Journal’s deadline.

The well-prepped Red Storm controlled the Rams for long stretches and at critical moments, spreading their offense around while holding Gorham’s top scorers quieter than usual.

Emerson managed her two goals on two free positions early in the game. Teammates MacKenzie Collins, Marina Pappalardo and Audrey Perrault later tallied one apiece, but all the while, Scarborough was amassing points.

“A loss to a very good team today,” said Gorham head coach Mary Guimond. “They wanted it more, and more consistently. All those 50-50 battles, they won. The refs were letting it be a real physical game, and they adjusted to that better than we did.

“We made some mistakes that cost us, quite frequently. When our goalie was able to come up with a big save, or our defense was able to come up with a turnover…we turned it right back over.

“Draw controls, we knew, were going to be huge, going into this game. They’ve got a real strong midfield that usually gets the draws. We were able to get it a few times (but) not consistently enough to get a rhythm going.”

Still, Guimond is satisfied with the season. “We’ve got a really young team,” she said. “We’ve got quite a few seniors, but also the majority of sophomores and freshmen. I feel good about what they’ve done and the challenges they’ve risen to this year – but I also like where we’re headed next year.”

Gorham’s MacKenzie Collins keeps just a step ahead of Scarborough defender Miranda Page.Gorham’s Reagan Emerson fends off Scarborough’s Marielle Smith in the Red Storm’s quarterfinals win over the Rams on Wednesday.Gorham keeper Allison Sinnett has been stalwart in the cage for the Rams throughout their successful season.Scarborough’s Kaitlin Prince had four goals and four assists in the Storm’s 16-5 win over Gorham on Wednesday.