Before Waynflete could beat Wells in the Class C girls’ lacrosse state final on Saturday at Fitzpatrick Stadium in Portland, the Flyers had to stop beating themselves.
Second-seeded Waynflete committed an uncharacteristic eight turnovers in the first 10 minutes before they settled in. But senior standout Tilsley Kelly dominated the draw circle and also excelled on offense as the Flyers opened up a six-goal halftime lead before going on to a 14-7 victory.
Kelly finished with eight goals and three assists, and junior Lydia Birknes added three goals and two assists, as Waynflete (13-4) won its second Class C championship, and its 12th state title overall since the Maine Principals’ Association began sanctioning the sport in 1998.
“We were playing not to lose and I told them they have to play to win the whole time,” said Waynflete’s longtime coach, Cathie Connors. “For a lot of them, it was their first time here. We just needed to pull it together.”
The fourth-seeded Warriors (12-5) struck first, on a goal from senior Cali Leighton midway through the first quarter. Late in the first, Kelly scored her first goal, on a free position, then set up senior Chloe Marblestone for a 2-1 advantage.
The Flyers opened it up in the second quarter, as Kelly scored three goals and assisted on two others. Birknes scored the other three goals and set up two of Kelly’s goals
With Kelly winning all 12 draws in the first, Waynflete was in command, up 8-2.
“My teammates worked so hard,” said Kelly. “Wherever the ball went, my teammates worked hard to get it. They just fought for it.”
Wells was more effective getting possession in the second half, but never made a serious run.
Marblestone, Skylar Harris and Kelly all scored in the third quarter, and the Flyers took an 11-5 lead to the fourth.
Kelly then scored her sixth, seventh and eighth goals, two on free positions.
“We had nerves at first, but then we shook them off and played our game,” Kelly said. “Most of our goals were assisted. Our connections were wonderful. My teammates gave me beautiful passes. There were so many open spaces because of my teammates. It was just a team effort.”
“I’m really proud of (Tilsley),” Connors added. “She’s so humble. Winning the draw is everything. She’s among the best players I’ve had, especially on the draw.”
Marblestone scored twice and Harris added a goal. Fallon Culley and Morgan Earls each got an assist. Mya Clark finished with six saves.
The Warriors were led by Caitlin Rooney, who scored three times. Jess Palmer added a pair of goals, and Leighton and Payton Maxon also scored. Kayla Bolton stopped eight shots.
Wells’ inability to gain possession in the first half was ultimately too much to overcome.
“Possession is a huge part of the game, and they dominated the draw when we played them last time, too,” said Wells Coach Morgan Pike. “We tried to switch it up, but (Tilsley’s) really good. They have an elite draw team.
“The girls don’t give up. They have such huge hearts. I’m really proud of them. It’s a great group of girls. I learned a lot this year.”
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