LEWISTON — A few few baby steps became sizable leaps last week.

After not winning a soccer game since 2012, the Lewiston girls’ team celebrated a pair of wins. Victories over Hampden and Oxford Hills provided the Blue Devils a number of milestones and new experiences, as well as expedited expectations.

“We’re thrilled,” senior midfielder Kyleigh Letourneau said. “Being a senior, this year, my only hope was to make the playoffs and improve from last season. Because we had zero wins last season, this is the greatest season I’ve had with varsity for the time that I’ve played. I couldn’t be happier with the season so far.”

That’s a pretty bold statement after the second full week of the season, but back-to-back wins, something Lewiston hasn’t produced in years, has not only boosted the team’s spirits but has them thinking about playoffs.

“As a senior, expectations are raised because I feel this team can make it and we can do the best we can,” senior defender Heather Kendall said. “There’s a better vibe. We’re not getting over our heads, it’s a 0-0 game before every game. We’re going to keep a clear head and hope for the best.”

First-year coach Brant Remington was hoping for meager progress this fall. It was his first year with the program and the team had gone 0-12-2. He knew the team was aiming high and hoping for a playoff berth. He wondered if that might be too distant a goal. His hope was earning a few wins and building some confidence. Maybe a tourney spot would follow next year.

“I think we’ve jumped a couple of hurdles and we skipped over getting just a couple of wins,” Remington said. “We have nine games left now, we can see if we can get into the playoffs.”

Lewiston hadn’t won a game since beating Oxford Hills in the next-to-last game of the season in 2012. It was a 3-0 win and also the last shutout for the Blue Devils. Lewiston finished with three wins that year and four wins in 2011. Prior to that, the Blue Devils won just two games in 2010 and 2009.

“We feel better about this season,” junior goalie Kelsey St. Cyr said. “We feel more confident before each game.”

After an 0-3 start and a 3-0 loss to Edward Little, the Blue Devils rallied from an early deficit against Hampden. Kristina Blais got the tying goal. Alanna Taylor scored the game-winner late in the first half. St. Cyr made some critical saves to preserve the lead.

“Right from the warm-ups, we had a better connection,” Kendall said. “Everyone was working together. There was passing and more communication. We felt the whole vibe of the game. We felt like we were in it together.”

Last Tuesday, the Blue Devils blanked Oxford Hills 1-0 in Paris. Freshman Kajha Gagnon scored on a free kick and St. Cyr came up big in goal again to help Lewiston beat a potential playoff team.

“It was a good challenge,” Kendall said. “The first win, everyone was shocked and loved it. The second win, it boosted our morale even more. We were like, ‘Here we go. We have a chance. Why not take it all?’”

Lewiston now hasn’t allowed a goal in 135 minutes. Remington bought them donuts for last Wednesday’s practice to celebrate the shutout. It’s something he’s done with other teams he’s coached, but it’s a tradition the Lewiston girls haven’t had a chance to enjoy lately.

“We’ve been introduced to different things and are having different experiences,” Kendalll said. “It’s great.”

Lewiston had hoped to make improvements this season. Remington provided energy and tried to build something during summer and preseason.

“I love coach,” Letourneau said. “Our teams gets along so well. There’s no comparison to the other years that I’ve played, and I’ve played since I was a freshman.”

Remington saw potential in this group and thought this club could begin turning things around. The team had some talent, experience and a solid work ethic. There was also the determination to be better.

“He really focused us on our skills,” Letourneau said. “He wants us to learn different moves. He will never get mad at us for something he hasn’t taught us before. I like how he gets involved in the drills with us and he’s very motivational.”

St. Cyr can see a difference in the play in front of her in goal.

“I’ve seen a lot better passing and talking — better communication,” St. Cyr said. “Being a goalie, if you get scored on, you have to keep the team motivated and help them get through. Now, with this, we’re all helping each other get through it.”

Lewiston is ranked eighth in the latest Eastern A standings. That would earn them a home preliminary game.  They have some tough games ahead, but there are also games in which they know they can compete.

“We have to make sure we take care of business,” Remington said. “There are some teams we know we can beat. I told the girls that we just have to play our game, play what we’ve been practicing, play with intensity and heart and let things happen. If you’re the better team, that will rise and you’ll come out on top.”

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