Teams usually remain optimistic and take it one game at a time. That’s been the tune surrounding the Lewiston field hockey team as the positive performances last week appear to have turned things around.

The Blue Devils accomplished a rare feat by winning back-to-back games against Mt. Ararat and Brunswick. The wins were the program’s first and second in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference.

“The win against Mt. Ararat was big,” Lewiston coach Norma Gardner said. “It was funny in a way because in the morning I had really been upset with the girls and spoke to them in a stern voice and (challenged) them because I felt they could be playing better than they had been. Then they went out and won.

“I joked with them afterwards and asked if I needed to get mad at them prior to every game, in order for them to play at their best?”

Evidently, the winning fever worked because a goal by Catlin Anthoine against the Dragons was the difference two days later. Anthoine has been a pleasant surprise with her play and leads the team in scoring.

The rest of the front line – Lauren St. Laurent, Alli Bleakney and Becky Boyle – has all scored goals. Still, the goals come few and far between. This dilemma has been an Achilles heal for previous Lewiston teams.

“It’s the same old story for us,” Gardner said. “We have trouble scoring goals and, as a result, the team has struggled. It has dampened the girls’ spirits. Hopefully, the win over Mt. Ararat has turned things around.”

The Lewiston defense has been the team’s strength and this season is no exception. Angie St. Hilaire is between the pipes again and the year of experience is really paying off. St. Hilaire moves around easily in the crease and drew rave reviews after turning away 25 shots against Messalonskee. Alli Hopkins has also stepped up her play in the back forty.

Young Andies struggle

Livermore Falls is still searching for answers after the first three weeks. The Andies stand at 0-7-1, which is a far cry for the program that has qualified for the Class C playoffs the previous two years.

“This has been such a frustrating season,” Andies coach Amy Druzba said. “For many reasons, it’s not a good feeling. I have a very talented group of girls and it frustrates me to no end that they are coming up empty handed.”

Livermore Falls can’t be faulted for a lack of effort. The Andies have lost five games by one goal, including double overtime defeats against Mountain Valley (1-0) and Jay (2-1). The Dirigo game ended tied following double overtime.

There are no seniors on the roster. With team speed an asset, Druzba is trying to make some necessary adjustments. The younger players are earning a great deal of quality playing time. Freshmen Caryn Howell, Aubray Landry, and Helena Lake have stepped up.

One of the few bright spots has been freshman goalie Sam Whiting, who is already playing like a seasoned veteran.

“This is my first losing season,” Druzba said. “My girls and I are both frustrated, but hopefully we can take it in stride. Hopefully, we can finish the season with a bang and come back with a vengeance next year.”