Mt. Blue has had to make some adjustments.

The lack of an experienced goaltender has forced fullback Allison Frechette to play between the pipes. It was a big move for Frechette who hadn’t been in goal since her freshman year. She made the most of the new role, stopping 16 of 17 shots against Cony.

“We did lose to Cony 2-0, but that was a great game,” Mt. Blue coach Jeannine Paradis said. “Last year we lost 4-1 and this year we played great and held them.”

Last week, sophomore Brittany Merchant was inserted as goalie and Frechette scored the game-winning goal against Morse. The Cougars have also received contributions from freshman Michelle Oswald, who has been starting and playing the entire game. She’s been a pleasant surprise, along with sophomore forward Casey Kidd.

Junior Jamie Witt has made her presence known in the sweeper position. She is back after breaking her fibula and tibia bones skiing last winter.

In an attempt to avoid risking re-injury, her playing time was limited.

“She did several things the trainer told her to do and was able to play for our second game against Brunswick,” said Paradis. “My intention was not to push her too much, but her presence is so profound that she played the entire game and even into double overtime. She fills a huge void defensively playing in the sweeper position.”

Scoring drought

The schedule had powerhouses Telstar, Winthrop and Hall Dale visiting Dixfield already. The biggest obstacle for winless Dirigo has been scoring.

“A lot of our lack of scoring is just the fact that we have an inexperienced team,” Cougar coach Amy Druzba said. “We’re playing almost an entirely defensive game.”

A bright spot has been goalie Dani Tompkins, who’s been tested early and often. The sophomore made 25 saves against Winthrop.

“She came out of the (crease) and made several sliding saves,” said Winthrop coach Sharon Coulton. “That’s something that you don’t see to often.”

Andies’ winning ways

What a difference a year makes.

Livermore Falls won three of its first four games and has been scoring heavily with center Teryn Flagg and Erica Gats at wing. The duo combined for eight points in a big win against Jay.

“This team is playing with a lot of confidence,” Gats said.

“We’re playing together and working toward improving. It certainly helps to score early in games because it shows the other team that we are determined and ready to play.”