FREEPORT

For the Freeport High School girls lacrosse team, the goal all year has been consistent play.

The Falcons were able to weather a slow stretch in the first half of Wednesday’s matchup with the Waynflete Flyers to earn a 9-7 Western Maine Conference win. Freeport improved to 6-3 and currently sits in fourth place of the Class C Heal Point Standings. Waynflete fell to 5-5 and fifth place in Class B.

The Falcons struck early on a goal from Chloe Davidson. After controlling much of the play in the opening minutes, Waynflete struck back with four unanswered goals. Falcons coach Marcia Wood credited her team for not letting up despite the early hole.

“When we played against Greely (a 13-10 loss) we had a slow start, when we played Gorham (10-8 win) we had a fast start and slowed down,” Wood said. “We were able to keep that intensity throughout.”

The Waynflete rally was sparked by Izzy Burdick, who gave the Flyers the 2-1 lead with two quick goals, creating her own shot on both. Laura Baginski added to the lead, taking a feed in front of the net from Ya Stockford and quickly burying the opportunity. Burdick tallied another goal before Freeport responded.

“We got off to a great start, we were winning the draws and winning some ground balls then it shifted,” said Waynflete coach Cathie Connors. “If you’re not on those ground balls in a tight game like this, it’s hard to win.”

Freeport stormed back with three unanswered goals of its own. Allison Greul broke the Flyers run by quickly burying a rebound off of a shot attempt. Davidson netted her second of the game, weaving through the Waynflete defense from the wing to pull her team within one. Taylor Rinaldi capped the rally with a goal to even the game at 4-4.

“We never got into a situation where we were too many down and we couldn’t get ourselves out,” said Wood.

Waynflete came close to breaking the tie as Burdick rang a shot off the crossbar. She later redeemed herself, setting up teammate Liz Olney on the back post for a goal. The Falcons countered with a quick fast-break goal, as Greul found Molly Whelan all alone in front for the tying goal.

Freeport quickly took a 6-5 advantage through Davidson’s second goal of the half. Waynflete took advantage of draw controls winning the last two of the half to hold possession and even the score. Burdick tallied her fourth goal of the half to even the game at 6-6.

Waynflete finished the half leading 7-5 in draw controls and even with Freeport in shots, 11-11.

“We played much stronger in the midfield and trying to defend the midfield,” said Connors. “We won a few more draws than we’ve been winning lately.”

Second half

Freeport opened the second half with more a more aggressive offense and active defense. The Falcons allowed just one goal in the second frame. Rinaldi was especially aggressive when the Falcons had the ball, tallying two goals early to give the Falcons an 8-6 lead.

The Flyers had their share of chances despite falling in a two-goal hole. Falcon goalie Piper Sherbert denied the Flyers on a pair of shots headed for the top corner of the net as Waynflete attempted to get back in the game. Wood has been splitting up goaltending duties between Sherbet and Cameryn Pasquale.

“We’ve been doing that, playing halves,” said Wood. “Cam came up with the saves that she needed to and Piper went in and stuffed those few high shots”

“Piper was on fire today,” said Falcons’ defender Maggie Ryan. “It definitely gives us confidence.”

Freeport’s defense surrendered one fast-break goal to the Flyers in the second half. Stockford fired a pass to Emily Wagg, who turned and released a low shot, beating Sherbert.

The Falcons added insurance when Davidson drove to the net and found Emma Carter open on the back post for a goal. The Falcons dominated possession in the game’s last five minutes to hang on for the 9-7 win.

“We can do it once we get going, said Wood. “Once they take that first or second shot that goes in. They’ve got to figure out where the holes are and then their good. Waynflete has fabulous defense, they always have. We talked about that yesterday at practice how tough they’re defense is to get through.”

“We’ve been trying to work on getting in a mentality that we can win,” said Ryan. “I think after those couple goals we realized that we needed to settle down.”

The Falcon offense was paced by three goals from Rinaldi and two from Davidson. Greul, Carter and Whelan added goals for Freeport. Pasquale and Sherbert each made five saves for Freeport.

Avis Akers made 18 saves for Waynflete. Freeport outshot Waynflete, 27-17. Waynflete had the edge in draw controls 10-8.

Freeport returns to action on Saturday at Bonny Eagle (11 a.m.).