FARMINGTON — Once Oxford Hills opened up a solid line of communication on the field, the Vikings’ shots started rolling into the net.
Oxford Hills’ two-goal outburst in the second quarter jump-started its offense, allowing the Vikes to slip away with a 3-1 victory over Mt. Blue in a KVAC field hockey game at Caldwell Field on a bright Thursday afternoon.
“I think it took a little bit of time to get going, as far as communicating,” Oxford Hills (2-0) coach Cindy Goddard said. “Once they started communicating and seeing where they are and supporting each other, it kind of opened up things on the offensive end.
“They just kept playing and we got most of the players in. I think it was kind of a team effort. (Mt. Blue) is always a competitive team. You can never let up so … it is always a fun challenge.”
After a scoreless first quarter that featured a couple of back-to-back dazzling saves by Mt. Blue (1-2) starting goalie Ella Mayhew, Oxford Hills conducted a serious dialogue between its players that led to two goals.
Junior forward Brynn Bean put the Vikings on the scoreboard with a goal 2:02 into the second quarter, with senior forward Sierra Carson providing the assist.
Oxford Hills got its second goal from Carlee-Mae Cash, who slapped it past Mayhew to provide the Vikes with a 2-0 lead. But Cash had a lot help with her goal, with assistance going to senior center back Molly Corbett, forward Page Temple and Carson.
“We haven’t been talking a lot during the beginning of the season.” Corbett said. “Today really showed that we have been talking, communicating and really passing the ball. So it has been good.”
Vikings junior midfielder Tristen Derenburger delivered the third goal, with the assist going to senior Allison Slicer. Goalies Gabby Wright and Charlotte McGreevy combined to make two saves for the Vikings. Oxford Hills outshot Mt. Blue 12-4 and held the advantage in corners, 8-5.
The Cougars were down 3-0 going into the fourth quarter, but they didn’t play like a team that was beaten.
Mt. Blue coach Jody Harmon is aware that the Cougars are a young team, but she was proud of how they played with resilience throughout the game.
“There may be one, two players with varsity experience,” Harmon said. “They are all eager. They are learning each game. I am very happy how they kept going. They didn’t give up. They kept working hard.
“I think every team in this conference is getting stronger, getting better.”
Mt. Blue hustled and was determined to score a goal in the fourth quarter. One was delivered by sophomore Summer Sawyer, who spoiled the Vikings’ shutout with less than two minutes left in the game.
The Cougars’ competitiveness wasn’t lost on the Vikings players.
“They were good; they were tough competition,” Corbett said. “They didn’t give up, so it was a tough battle through the whole thing. We play every team tough. We don’t take a team lightly. It was good game, and I am really proud of my team.”
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