WATERVILLE, Maine – The University of Maine at Farmington women's lacrosse team scored three straight goals in the final six minutes of the third quarter to break a tie and take a three-goal lead en route to a 10–8 victory over Thomas College in North Atlantic Conference (NAC) action on Saturday afternoon.
The Records:
The Beavers picked up a much-needed win, improving to 2–7 on the season and 1–2 in NAC play. The Terriers fell to 1–7 overall and 0–3 in conference play with the loss.
How it Happened:
The first quarter started with a rapid goal-scoring pace as the two teams combined for eight goals, four each. Junior midfielder Sadie Harvey (Bethel, Maine) got the scoring started when she found the back of the net on a feed from Ruby McMinis (Wells, Maine).
The Terriers responded with consecutive goals from Emily Wallingford and Mary LaRochelle just 51 seconds apart to take their first lead of the game.
The lead lasted just 37 seconds, as senior midfielder Abby Trefsger (South Portland, Maine) fired home a free-position shot to knot the game back up at two. Ashlee Farrar (South Paris, Maine) put the Beavers back ahead when she scored her second goal of the season with 4:11 left in the opening quarter.
In the final two minutes of the quarter, Trefsger found a cutting Emma Dunn (Farmington, Maine) in front of the goal, and Dunn deposited a shot past Terrier goalkeeper Bristol Sine to double Farmington's lead.
Thomas answered with two goals in the final 70 seconds of the quarter to tie the game at four. Mara Gentry and Isabella Pelletier picked up the goals for Thomas.
Gentry helped Thomas regain a one-goal advantage, firing a free-position shot into the back of the net 5:24 into the second quarter.
McMinis scored her first goal of the game just 25 seconds later to tie the game at five and open up the game-clinching run for the Beavers. McMinis gave the Beavers the lead a minute and a half later with her 23rd goal of the season.
Pelletier picked up her second goal of the game off a feed from LaRochelle with 2:12 left in the half.
The Beavers closed out the half with momentum as McMinis won the draw, and the ball ended up on the stick of Ally Trefsger (South Portland, Maine), who found the back of the net for the sixth time this season.
The Terriers opened the scoring in the third quarter. LaRochelle found the back of the net for the second time—an unassisted marker knotting the game at seven apiece.
With 6:04 left in the quarter, Abby Trefsger found an open McMinis, who rifled a shot into the back of the net for the third time and gave the Beavers the lead for good. A minute and forty seconds later, McMinis supplied some insurance, picking up her fourth goal of the game, perfectly executing a free-position shot. Trefsger then found the back of the net herself in the final two minutes of the quarter to help the Beavers take a 10–7 lead into the fourth quarter.
LaRochelle picked up a hat-trick goal with 7:16 left in the game, making it a two-goal game, but that was as close as the Terriers got. Sound defense and strong goalkeeping from Skye Cotnoir (West Gardiner, Maine) helped the Beavers pick up the critical victory.
Stats of the Game:
Farmington held a large advantage in shots, outshooting the Terriers by a 41–25 margin for the game. The Beavers also forced 25 Thomas turnovers, turning the ball over just 15 times themselves. Farmington also held a 22–15 advantage in ground balls. The Terriers controlled the draw circle, picking up 13 draws compared to eight for Farmington.
Leaders – Farmington:
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McMinis led all scorers with four goals to go along with an assist and three draw controls.
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Abby Trefsger pitched in with two goals and two assists, firing a game-high 11 shots.
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Dunn controlled the possession game for the Beavers, recording game highs in ground balls (8) and caused turnovers (5).
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Harvey finished with a goal and four ground balls.
Leaders – Thomas:
The Goalies:
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Cotnoir finished with nine saves to pick up her second victory of the season.
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Sine picked up 17 big saves, keeping the Terriers within striking distance throughout.
Up Next:
The Beavers return to action next weekend in what is scheduled to be their home opener against Maine Maritime Academy. Game time is set for 12:00 PM.
