By Bob McPhee,Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Craig Hamann intercepted a pass and fed Chris Lowell, who scored a backhand goal 47 seconds into overtime as the Mountain Valley lacrosse team posted an 8-7 win over determined Oxford Hills at Hosmer Field.

It was an important win for Mountain Valley (4-4), which had lost to fourth-ranked Gardiner 4-3 less than 24 hours earlier.

“That was a heartbreaker,” Mountain Valley senior Brendan Bradley said, referring to the loss to Gardiner. “Oxford Hills was no cake walk they fought hard.”

In the extra session, Oxford Hills was attempting a clearing pass when Hamann rushed forward and picked it off. Hamann fed Lowell, who was unmarked on the right post and the backhand shot whipped by goalie Jack Pike.

“I (anticipated) the pass,” Hamann said. “The team really needed this win.”

Oxford Hills (2-7) had forced overtime when Devon Pike scored off a Spencer Evesdon assist with 1:21 left in regulation. The Vikings had held a two-goal lead in the third quarter following a power play goal by Pike.

The lead was short-lived, as the Falcons scored two goals in 18 seconds. Chris Taylor and Bradley (two goals) each tallied.

“The key tonight was heart,” Oxford Hills coach Cimeron Colby said. “Mountain Valley will keep coming at you, even if they are 10 goals behind. It’s like that in any sport for them. My team worked hard also, but came up short.”

Oxford Hills had regained the lead, on a power-play goal by Nick Bolduc.

Scott Fogg had a goal and an assist.

Falcons senior goalie Jeff Pelletier made 27 saves, including several from in close

“I love playing goalie,” Pelletier said. “I started playing last year and fell in love with it. There’s a lot of pressure, but I can see the entire field and direct my teammates.”

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