KENNEBUNK — The Kennebunk girls soccer team traveled to Marshwood on Wednesday afternoon and the visiting Rams would end up on the wrong end of a 2-0 score.
The Hawks were able to shutout the Rams, but it was a battle from the opening whistle.
“I thought it was pretty ugly. It wasn’t our best game … I thought it was a battle. I thought it was pretty evenly matched. Kennebunk is a great team, I look forward to seeing them again” said Marshwood coach Chelsea Watson.
The ball was stationed in Kennebunk’s end for most of the first half. When the Rams got a chance to bring the ball towards Marshwood’s goal, they were called for being off sides.
The Hawks got their first goal late in the first half. Ella Nelson sent the ball to Casey Perry, who would finish it off to give Marshwood the 1-0 lead.
Perry’s goal would be the only goal for the first half.
During the second half, the play was neck and neck but Kennebunk was unable to get a shot past the Marshwood goal keeper.
“Nat, our keeper, is probably the best keeper in the state. I will defend that to death. She makes saves look easy, when they can be tough for other kids. She’s a nice solid force to have back there. I’m very thankful for her,” said Watson of Marshwood goalie Nathalie Clavette.
Rori Coomey would put the game away for the Hawks with a direct kick goal in the second half.
The Hawks had some revenge on their mind entering Wednesday’s contest.
“We knew coming in that Kennebunk was going to be a tough opponent. They knocked us out last year so the girls had that in the back of their minds and they always give us a battle so we knew that even though we were up 1-0, we couldn’t settle or get comfortable. Even with 2-0, we couldn’t get comfortable. They can score quickly so we were lucky to get away with the W” said Watson.
While the Hawks are thinking about last year’s game, Kennebunk is starting the season with a young roster.
“Marshwood is a quality side and we knew they would be from last year. They have a lot of returners coming back. We were definitely a little nervous, we’ve unfortunately had some pretty serious season-ending injuries — so we’re very young right now” said Kennebunk coach Shannon Cavanaugh.
Though the Rams are young, Cavanaugh believes that they have plenty of potential.
“It’s been a different start for us but we’re getting better each game.”
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.