The St. Dominic field hockey team will be entering uncharted waters Saturday in the Class C state championship game.

The Saints will be playing for their first ever state title against three-time defending champion Dexter at 10 a.m. in Gorham.

Although St. Dom’s may be considered an underdog, the team will rely on its recent history of playing in the previous three regional finals.

“This team really works well together,” St. Dom’s coach Brian Kay said. “It all goes back to team bonding and they’ve done everything together all season. There was quite a bit of rain earlier this week and we couldn’t practice outside, but the team stayed together and they are focused.”

Dexter has ruled the state for the past few years. The Tigers are riding a winning streak of 62 games, reportedly the fourth longest ever in the United States

Both teams display explosive offenses featuring the top two goal scorers in the state. The Saints have scored more than 80 goals, led by Erica Dorso (39 goals, 30 assists) and younger sister Elisha Dorso (18 goals, 20 assists), who both possess breakaway speed. Erica Dorso scored hat tricks against Telstar and Jay. Sara Daigle is the other forward, while Malley O’Shea and Laura Rideout each receive quality-playing time.

Dexter, which has scored a state record 122 goals, has multiple threats in Meagan Fogerty (39 goals, 18 assists), Brittany Veazie (24-28), Sarah Wyman (21-18), Vanessa Hartford (15-13) and Keriann Patterson (8-16).

“The reason for the success is this outstanding senior class, they are just the best,” Dexter coach Margaret Veazie said. “Ball control is unbelievable. These are the best young ladies and it has been extremely hard for all of us this last week because it is my last year too. We are such a close family and we all get very emotional whenever we talk about it.”

Dexter is equally strong defensively. Goalie Cindy Koscielny has allowed four goals.

“It looks to me like I have a bunch of seniors out there,” coach Veazie said. “Win or lose, it has been such a joy to watch this group. I have had numerous comments around the state that this is the best team they have ever seen. This coming from some people that have been around since I played. But, you never know on any given day.”

The Saints anchor is junior goalie Ilissa Vallee, who has allowed less than one goal per game this season. Sweeper Becky Lewis directs the defense in front with fullbacks Julie Vandermeulen and Chelsea St. Onge-May. But, the midfield could be a key with center Catlin Rutt (10-30), Michela Fyler (11 assists) and Melinda Hoyt.

“Third time was a charm in the regional,” Kay said. “These girls have risen to the occasion all season long. Team bonding has been stressed through out the season and it has really helped.”

Skowhegan and Winslow will also defend state titles Saturday against Deering (Class A) and Greely (Class B).

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