BANGOR — North Yarmouth Academy’s girls’ soccer team missed out on the state final a year ago and didn’t like the feeling.
Saturday afternoon at Cameron Stadium, the Panthers quickly made up for lost time, staggering Fort Kent with a goal less than two minutes in, then building a commanding halftime lead on the way to a 4-0 victory in the Class C state championship game.
Freshman Delphine Daniel scored three times for NYA (15-3), which won a Gold Ball for fifth time in six season. The previous four tiles were all in Class D. The Panthers last won Class C in 2007. They’re now 12 for 12 in state finals, and gave Coach Ricky Doyon his 100th victory with the program.
“This is very nice,” said Doyon. “It means a lot to win it in Class C. Last year, I grabbed the (game ball from the regional final that we lost to Waynflete) and had the girls write their goals, and we took it everywhere we went as a reminder.”
The Panthers broke through in the second minute, as a cross by Daniel deflected off a defender and into the net.
“I was just trying to cross it,” said Daniel. “I saw Tasha (Natasha Godfrey) coming in and I hit it really, really hard, and that helped with the deflection.”
Fort Kent (15-3) didn’t manage a shot on frame in the first half, despite producing a corner kick and a couple promising rushes broken up by NYA senior back Nell Rohde.
In the 29th minute, the Panthers got some breathing room. Ella Giguere served in a corner kick that almost went in directly, hitting the far post and bouncing out front to Daniel, who easily converted the rebound.
“It was a corner kick from Ella,” Daniel said. “She realized, with the wind, she’d have to hit it a little more differently than she usually does. It ricocheted right out to me and I put it away.”
With 9:56 left in the half, Emily Robbins one-touched the ball to Caroline Matusovich, who lofted a left-footed shot over the head of Warriors goalkeeper Anna Albert (eight saves) to make it 3-0.
Two minutes later, Daniel completed her hat trick. She took a pass from Isabelle Hinkley, dribbled in, then fired a low shot into the corner.
“I turned with the ball from Isabelle and I saw an opening between two center backs, took it, and just hit it hard,” Daniel said.
“The seniors have helped me develop, and it means so much to me to help so many of them who lost last year.”
“Del hadn’t scored in a couple games and she was biting at the bit,” Doyon added. “She wanted it. I told her it was her game to go show who you are. She’s quite a talent.”
With the wind at its back, Fort Kent came out strong in the second half, but Allie Fournier, Lily Werntgren and Reese Doucette all had shots denied by NYA goalkeeper Sadie Morgan (seven saves). Emlyn Nadeau floated a free kick off the crossbar, and Madeline Martin hit the post.
“We had a chat at halftime and the girls knew that to compete, they had to give it their all,” said Warriors Coach Mindy Forino. “We definitely had a much better second half. Unfortunately, going against the wind in the first half was difficult. It’s tough at this level to come back down 4-0.
“I’m proud of these girls. We tried our best. Hopefully we’ll be back next year.”
NYA wasn’t able to score again, but did complete its second straight playoff shutout.
“The defense all year has worked together,” said Rohde. “It came together for the playoffs. We’ve been working really hard.
“Winning Class C is great. It’s great we could prove we’re up to the task. It’s great to give Ricky his 100th win. He’s the best coach I’ve had, and probably the best coach I ever will have.”
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