Eagles Field Hockey compete in semifinals
Messalonskee began its postseason run with a resounding triumph in trouncing Bangor, 7-0, in a Class A North quarterfinal this week, but now the going gets tougher.
The third-ranked Eagles (12-3) travel to South Paris today for an 11 a.m. regional semifinal contest against No. 2 Oxford Hills (12-2-1).
The last time the teams met the Vikings prevailed 4-0.
Messalonskee has struggled to generate offense against the elite teams in Class A North this season. In their losses to the Vikings and top-ranked Skowhegan, the Eagles failed to score a single goal.
Head coach Katie Brann pointed to offense as a concern heading into the playoffs.
“I’d like to see us improve on attack,” she explained. “We need the girls to work together as a unit to create more shooting and scoring chances.”
Messalonskee definitely showed improvement on offense against Bangor, an opponent the Eagles beat only 1-0 in overtime in a game earlier this season.
In this week’s rematch, four Eagles scored, including two goals apiece by Isabel Culver and Sophia Ventimiglia. Payton Alexander, Chloe Michaud and Aura Morin had the other tallies.
A victory against Oxford Hills would likely set up a regional final rematch against Skowhegan, which plays No. 4 Mt. Ararat in tomorrow’s other semifinal. The River Hawks beat Mt. Ararat, 3-0, in their lone regular-season match.