AUBURN — When Kayla McLellan talks about her playoff goals, you’d think she’s had about 10 assists or more on each play.

McLellan has produced some key goals, all of which were significant in her St. Dom’s girls’ soccer team reaching a second straight Western C title game. But she hasn’t done it alone.

“It’s been a great feeling,” said the junior forward. “The team has been carrying it up and contributing a lot. I’ve just been there to finish it.”

St. Dom’s plays Waynflete this afternoon at 3 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Stadium. It is the second straight year the Saints have reached the regional final. This year, the team has come a long way after losing a wealth of talent from last year.

Among those elevating their game has been McLellan. She had two goals in a 2-1 win over Lisbon in the quarterfinals. She had the game-winner in overtime to beat top-ranked Dirigo in the semifinals.

“Kayla played up front last year with Sophie (Goulet) but Sophie was the go-to player and set-up player,” said St. Dom’s coach Kathy Little. “Kayla had to take on Sophie’s role and adopt players and teach them to be able to play beside her.”

Early in the season, there was a disconnect on the offensive end. The Saints would generate some pressure but struggle to finish the task. The players were tentative and still trying to understand their roles. St. Dom’s record of 2-2 was proof of it. The Saints have gradually developed confidence. McLellan’s aggressive play up front has lead the charge.

“I feel more improved with all the practice we’ve had compared to last year,” said McLellan. “We’ve become more confident. We’ve clicked together more as a team. We’ve bonded and trusted each other with our plays.”

The progression is paying off for the Saints. With each outing, St. Dom’s is playing better and better. McLellan’s ability to make things happen offensively has become the epitome of the team’s development. As she has established herself in her role, so have the players around her.

“I just go where the ball is headed,” said McLellan. “I just follow the play. I act instead of react.”

To start the season, the Saints were missing Goulet and Clara Bosco, who transferred, up front. The starting midfield was all new, especially after losing all-star midfielder Stephanie Costello to an injury.

The defense was the most experienced. Along with keeper Mary Caron, Emily Conner, Dayle Jordan, Emily Rioux and Becky Trytek were all senior defenders returning. Junior Emily Poulin was also back.

With the loss of Costello in the midfield, players like Courtney Costello, Jordan, Kelley McLellen, Meghan Hargreaves and Marley Byrne had to help fill that void. It was going to take a team effort to bring all the individual components along.

“It stems all the way from our backfield,” said Little. “The defense is playing solid and the midfield has picked up their game tremendously. They’re able to help set up the offensive attack.”

Since starting the season 2-2, the Saints have gone 11-1 and scored 33 goals in 12 games. They’ve produced at least two goals in every game except one, that was a 2-0 loss at Dirigo in the pouring rain.

“People have adjusted to new positions and excepted new roles,” said Little. “I think we’re a balanced team. We can get production anywhere.”

The Saints now take on the Flyers, a team that played some of the best clubs the Western Maine Conference has to offer. The last two seasons, including last fall’s regional title game, it was a WMC-seasoned team from Sacopee that dashed Dom’s hopes. Waynflete is a tough test, but the Saints are anxious to see far their hard work can take them.

“It’s exciting, a little nerve wracking,” said McClellan. “If we keep our heads, we can do it. We lost a lot of seniors, but its been a good run this year. We’ve worked hard as a team. We’ve worked hard for this.”

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