RUMFORD – Winthrop jumped ahead early behind a big surge, and Elyse Cole scored two goals as the Ramblers raced to a 3-0 win over Mountain Valley in an MVC field hockey showdown.

Senior goalie Tabitha Therrien recorded eight saves to record the shutout, with Mountain Valley (7-4) unleashing a flurry of quality shots, led by Samm Johnson, down the stretch.

Winthrop (10-1), defending MVC champions, remains a half-game ahead of Hall-Dale in the league chase. Mountain Valley upset the Bulldogs on Wednesday.

“It was quite a start,” Winthrop coach Sharon Coulton said. “The girls talked about it on the ride up. They knew how bad the weather was going to be, and once it reached the second half, the game would be official. I know that I’m delighted.”

Winthrop scored on a set play off a penalty corner. Kenzie Demkowicz slid the ball over to Nicole Emery (two assists), who fired a shot past Falcons goalie Kim Clark (eight saves) on the short side.

Mountain Valley immediately called a timeout to adjust, but the Ramblers maintained the momentum.

Cole converted a pass from Emery to give Winthrop a 2-0 lead with 23:15 left in the first half.

The action quickly switched to the opposite end of the field as the Falcons mounted an offensive charge. Michelle Woods and Nikki Demers hustled after loose balls, and Kaly Bernard fired a shot on goal.

“We have some good opportunities,” Mountain Valley coach Melissa Forbes said. “I felt that we really settled down after (Winthrop’s) initial surge.

“I’ve had Samm Johnson playing back on defense. It’s a new position, and she’s (adjusting) to it. I moved Samm up on offense to try and get a goal. It’s hard losing a homecoming game.”

Mountain Valley had a two-to-one margin in penalty corners, but none produced a shot on goal until late in the second half.

Cole scored off her own rebound to round out the offense.