RUMFORD – In a battle of contracting styles, the Edward Little and Mountain Valley girls’ lacrosse teams interacted in a highly competitive regular-season finale Wednesday.

Kristen Prue scored seven goals, including the eventual game-winner in the second half, as the Red Eddies posted a 9-7 win over the Falcons at Hosmer Field.

EL was very patient, and utilized its strong passing game to set-up scoring opportunities.

“Our passing game worked,” Edward Little coach Jim Platz said. “On offense, we wanted to work the ball around and settle in. The adjustments that we made to get things going were (designed) to get the ball out front”

Edward Little (4-8) used Prue, a freshman, as the prime target, and she was able to carry the play into the zone. This created mismatches and the Falcon defenders were whistled for infractions. This provided Prue with free shots on Falcon goalie Tanya LaCroix (8 saves), who was defenseless in trying to stop ground strokes and defenders Jessica Nadeau and Cassandra were unable to charge forward.

“This was one of the best games we’ve played,” Falcon coach Rick White said. “We were right in it throughout it. EL was deliberate and passed the ball, but we didn’t always rotate over fast enough and disrupt the person with the ball.”

Mountain Valley (0-12) was simply unable to get things going this season, however, its planned rushes set up chances. The Falcons trailed 6-3, but scored three-straight goals. Stephanie Dragoon split the defense to make it 6-4, and Brittany Coulombe (four goals) cut the lead to one. Amber Billings assisted Caitlin O’Connell who beat EL goalie JoAnna Hughes (seven saves) to tie the scored with 16:09 left to play.

The Red Eddies quickly regrouped and went on the offensive to score three goals. Prue scored two and Kristin Erickson scored off a Carmen Lasagna pass.

”We adjusted to double team on defense,” Platz said, which limited the Falcons scoring chances.

The Falcons had taken a 2-1 lead three minutes into the game on Coulombe’s goal. The Red Eddies stiffened, and Prue scored three goals in seven minutes and Edward Little led 4-3 at half time.

“Our season didn’t end the way we wanted,” White said. “But, I’m proud of these girls. They have fought through some adversity and never hung their heads.”


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.