LIVERMORE FALLS  — Senior TJ Cowin scored a goal in each half and the Rebels maintained control with a strong defensive effort to remain unbeaten with a 2-0 win against Livermore Falls in a Mountain Valley Conference field hockey game Wednesday.

The game featured some strong efforts, however, it was Telstar (8-0) which seized the momentum early with strong drives and produced several shots on goal, leaving the Andies’ defense scrambling. This was combined with a solid effort by halfbacks Emma Davis and Sam Largess and sweeper Mariah Bundy, who stepped up.

“The team played relaxed,” Telstar coach Gail Wight said. “They were not in a panic mode and kept their heads up and anticipated where the ball was going. On defense, they stayed in control, clear balls away and followed up shots.”

Telstar was awarded a penalty corner and Cowin one-timed a blast past Andies goalie Caylee Morris (10 saves). Amanda Wiley had passed the ball in with 10:50 remaining in the first half.

“We really wanted to win this game today,”Cowin said. “Livermore Falls is a quality team, so the team came in with a positive attitude and intensity. I believe that was the most intensity we’ve played with all season.”

Livermore Falls (6-3) was hindered by an inability to execute consistently on offense. Numerous dangerous hits and stick infractions resulted in turnovers. This prevented the Andies to utilize their speed with Kathryn Ventrilla, Annika Durrell, Hannah Therrien and Liz Cote.

“They just didn’t find it today,” Livermore Falls coach Julia Parker said. “We talked about it at halftime. Our offense hasn’t been as (productive) as it was,l and they got behind the defense, but needed to be in front. Telstar was out hustling us to the ball.”

In the second half, Cowin scored on a penalty stroke by lifting a shot past Morris’ shoulder. The PS was called because Rebels Jamie Steven shot on goal and Andies sweeper Liz White smothered the ball in the crease.

“We’ve been playing together for a long time,” Cowin said. “We have a great passing game and know where each other will be on the field.”

The Andies had three straight penalties, but Telstar’s Lindsay James was able to clear balls out of the circle. Rebel goalie Sam Tibbetts had zero saves to record the shutout.

The score could have been much higher, but Morris had a remarkable game between the pipes. She was aggressive and rushed out several times to make saves.

“Caylee was super,” Parker said. “She feels bad because the team lost, but she feels better knowing that she played a great game.”