AUBURN – What a difference a year makes.

After struggling through a winless 2003 season, to say the Livermore Falls field hockey team has turned things around would be an understatement.

The sixth-seeded Andies continued their incredible transformation Saturday by knocking off No. 2 St. Dom’s, 5-2 in a Western C semifinal.

“The girls wanted to work,” said a jubilant Livermore Falls first-year coach Julia Parker on her team’s rise toward the top. “We have a great group of seniors and they pushed themselves harder. It’s the whole determination to work together.”

The Andies (12-4) scored twice in the first half and had the Saints (13-3) pressing. After a long stroke from outside the penalty area was kicked back by St. Dom’s keeper Elizabeth Bennett (three saves), Becca Leclerc rushed in to bang home the rebound for the 1-0 advantage with 24:30 remaining.

Later in the half, Marjorie DeBrosky carried the ball down the right side before crossing it through traffic in front of the St. Dom’s cage. Taryn Flagg cashed in for the Andies by knocking home the loose ball.

“It was huge,” said Parker of the 2-0 lead. “I told the kids whoever had an early lead would have a big edge.”

The Saints placed numerous balls into the scoring area, but failed to capitalize.

“We had some opportunities,” said Saints coach Brian Kay. “We just couldn’t get the shots off.”

St. Dom’s came flying out of the second half gates with all sorts of pressure on goal. However, anytime there appeared to be a Livermore Falls’ defensive breakdown, keeper Sam Whiting would be there to plug the goal.

Whitinge turned aside nine shots overall and proved adept at kicking out loose balls and stopping open shots with her pads.

“She’s tremendous,” said Parker. “Today she had some wonderful saves. She did a great job.”

The Saints finally broke into the scoring column when Elisha Dorso connected with Laura Rideout. Whiting was able to just get a piece of the shot before the ball trickled into the goal.

The Andies wasted little time in answering the Saints tally with a goal of their own just over two minutes later. Rachel Ventrella put a penalty corner shot into play by placing the ball onto the stick of Kelsey Biliouris at the left side of the circle. Biliouris returned the pass to an open Ventrella at the post and she tucked the ball into the cage behind Bennett.

“I was surprised,” said Ventrella of her first goal of the year. “I didn’t expect it to go in. Kelsey gave me a great pass.”

With the Saints on the run, Biliouris rifled a shot in from the right wing and Valen Richard scored from close range to give the Andies more than enough insurance. Beth Schutt scored a late goal for the Saints.

to finish off the scoring.

“They have a tough front line,” said Kay. “They’re definitely better than a No. 6 team.”