PARIS — Oxford Hills used quality, not quantity when shooting the ball in its key Class A North field hockey matchup against Messalonskee on Monday.

The Vikings defeated the Eagles 4-0 despite only firing six shots on goal.

Oxford Hills coach Cindy Goddard said ball possession helped the Vikings get the offensive looks they needed.

“I think we were able to have a lot of time with the ball and a lot of time to look up and see (our options),” Goddard said. “Obviously, we had some really good passing and good finishes at the end.”

Sierra Carson led the way with two goals and an assist for the Vikings (10-2-1). She has scored five goals in the past two games, including scoring a hat trick in Friday’s 3-1 win against Mt. Ararat.

Carson is being aggressive in the offensive end of the field.

“I think it’s wanting to score so bad and being aggressive,” Carson said. “It’s more about possessing the ball and seeing what’s open — rather than just hitting the ball and hoping it goes in.”

Messalonskee (9-2) couldn’t get anything going.

“We weren’t able to create those opportunities and we weren’t able to get quality passes into the circle,” Messalonskee coach Katie Brann said. “Oxford Hills defended its circle very well; we didn’t get the possession or the number of opportunities they did.”

It was total ball control for the Vikings in the first quarter. Tristen Derenburger gave Oxford Hills the early 1-0 lead with a long shot in the circle 3:30 into the quarter.

Nearly nine minutes later, Messalonskee possessed the ball in its offensive zone but Oxford Hills gained control and sent the ball to the other side of the field with an aerial pass. Carson got by the Eagles’ defenders and her shot in the circle trickled past Messalonskee goalie Nealey Dillon.

“I was dribbling it as fast as I can and I see the (Messalonskee defender) coming to the corner (of the field),” Carson said. “With my speed, I tried to curl around and block her off from getting it. I just hit at the goal.”

The Eagles saw their first shot attempt of the game go wide of the left post about five minutes into the second quarter.

Brann said Messalonskee has had a tough time finishing, and the coaches and players are working on it in practice.

“I can’t put my finger on it,” Brann said. “I think it’s a matter of having the right combinations at the goal line and at the right time.”

Nealey stopped a shot in the final two minutes of the first half. Oxford Hills nearly scored off a corner shortly after. The Vikings kept the ball in the circle and Sierra Carson got a stick on the ball for her second goal with 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter for a 3-0 lead.

Messalonskee tried to break through early in the third quarter. Oxford Hills goalie Gabby Wright made her first and only save of the game. Then the Eagles had another shot go wide of the left post.

Goddard said one of the Vikings’ goals was to have a defensive shutout, since they had only two coming into the game.

“The big goal today was to score some goals, but we wanted a defensive shutout,” Goddard said. “We have given up some goals, and we want to sharpen up that aspect of our game just a tad bit more.”

Off its first penalty corner of the third quarter, Carson found Carlee-Mae Cash, who tapped the ball into the cage to round out the scoring at 4-0.

Both teams are fighting for the No. 2 seed in Class A North. Both coaches said it was a good preview for a potential rematch in the playoffs.

“It is important — this is a rescheduled game (from a month ago), and we waited to play this game for a long time,” Brann said. “It’s tough after a long weekend and a holiday, but I think it’s a good wake-up call for us.”

Goddard said the goal is to capture that No. 2 seed and have homefield advantage for a potential rematch with the Eagles.

“You want to see this caliber of team at the end (of the regular season),” Goddard said. “I am sure we will possibly see them again (in the playoffs).”

« Previous

Next »

Related Stories