WINTHROP – The Telstar Rebels were rewarded for maintaining their composure in a Mountain Valley Conference field hockey game Wednesday.

A nifty goal by Julia Stambolis in the second half proved to be the eventual game-winner as the Rebels utilized their strong defense en route to a 3-1 win against Winthrop.

Each team is jockeying for playoff position in their respective regional, but it was Telstar (5-3-1) that continued on a roll.

“This was a huge win for us in terms of Heal points,” Telstar coach Gail Wight said. “In the game, we wanted ball control to block the ball on defense and prevent Winthrop from advancing the ball.”

The field conditions aided the Rebels’ cause, and Tonie Morin and midfielder Bailey Davis each kept their sticks on the ground and blocked numerous shots.

On the winning play, Davis (wearing eye goggles to protect an injury) slid a pass over to Stambolis, who one-timed a blast past Rambler goalie Sarah Giampetro.

The Rebels had been awarded a penalty corner with 12 minutes left to give Telstar a 2-0 lead.

“I just wanted to score,” Stambolis said. “The big difference for the team today was communicating and getting back.”

Winthrop (5-3-1) called timeout and settled down, which led to a breakaway by Brittany Gaudet, who beat Rebel goalie Brianna Douglass (five saves).

Douglass had actually made a key save seconds after a Stambolis tally. Erika Gile broke in alone, but Douglass stepped up and kicked the shot away.

Telstar regrouped and Josie Reiss blasted a shot in the cage. Sophomore Whitney Mills had two assists, and reserve Andrea Gunther also played a strong role.

“It was frustrating,” Ramblers coach Sharon Coulton said. “We called two timeouts and had talked about getting the ball outside, but we kept reverting to the middle of the field. Telstar did a great job of keeping their sticks down and blocking balls.”

Telstar had opened the scoring on a Chelsea Bean goal 57 seconds in to the second half.