FARMINGTON, Maine - The University of Maine at Farmington women's soccer team secured the sixth seed in the upcoming North Atlantic Conference (NAC) tournament, earning a trip to Castine, Maine, on Saturday to take on the third-seeded Mariners of Maine Maritime Academy. Saturday's game is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Overview:
Saturday's matchup between Farmington and Maine Maritime is one of two quarterfinal contests, with Thomas College traveling to Vermont to take on VTSU Johnson on Saturday afternoon. The winner of the matchup between the Beavers and Mariners will advance to the semifinals to take on the second-seeded Husson University.
With eight teams in the conference this season following the departure of SUNY Delhi and SUNY Cobleskill, six of the eight institutions qualified for the playoffs. The playoff format allows the top two seeds to receive a bye into the semifinal round, while the sixth seed travels to face the third seed and the fifth seed travels to take on the fourth seed. Lesley University earned the top overall seed and a first-round bye, while Husson, as the second seed, earned the other bye.
Tournament Seeding:
- Lesley University: 6-0-1 (19 pts)
- Husson University: 6-1 (18 pts)
- Maine Maritime Academy: 5-1-1 (16 pts)
- VTSU Johnson: 3-3-1 (10 pts)
- Thomas College: 3-3-1 (10 pts)
- UMaine Farmington: 2-5 (6 pts)
Season at a Glance:
Farmington enters the playoffs with momentum, having won its final two regular-season games to clinch the sixth seed. The Beavers suffered several narrow defeats during the regular season, some of which came in heartbreaking fashion. On September 6, in a home non-conference matchup against Colby-Sawyer, the Beavers opened up a 3-1 lead midway through the first half. However, a pair of quick goals in the opening 12 minutes of the second half knotted the game at three. Just as the game seemed destined to end in a tie, the Chargers scored the game-winner with just 10 seconds remaining.
The Beavers also suffered three other one-goal losses, including a non-conference battle at home against Maine Maritime. In a similar fashion to the game against Colby-Sawyer, the Mariners scored with just 14 seconds remaining to break a scoreless tie and earn a 1-0 victory.
Farmington's offense broke out in a big way against VTSU Lyndon last Saturday. The Beavers scored a season-high five goals, three of which came from first-year forward Halle Clifford (Blue Hill, Maine), en route to a 5-1 NAC victory. The Beavers clinched their playoff spot with a 1-0 victory over UMaine-Presque Isle in Wednesday's regular-season finale. First-year forward Vivian Bishop (North Rose, N.Y.) scored the game-winner early in the second half for Farmington.
The Lineup:
In between the pipes, the Beavers will be led by senior Roo Sawyer (Londonderry, N.H.), who has been phenomenal all season long. Sawyer finished the regular season with 145 saves and a .759 save percentage. She also recorded two shutouts and made double-digit saves in seven games.
Defensively, Farmington's backline will be led by Miah Coffin (Otis, Maine), Allison Casavant (Farmington, Maine), Alaina Hamlin (Poland, Maine), and Peyton Gonya (Sabattus, Maine). Coffin, a versatile player, made the transition to outside back midway through the season, providing a strong presence on the defensive side of the field. Her great speed has also helped the Beavers quickly transition into their offensive attack. Hamlin and Casavant have been steady presences in the center back positions, while Gonya brings a tough presence to the opposite outside back spot.
In the midfield, senior Rita Benoit (Hallowell, Maine), sophomore Kyri Meak (Winslow, Maine), and Makenzie Rushlow (Corinth, Maine) provide stability to the Farmington lineup. Benoit has been fantastic all season, winning aerial balls through the middle of the field and on set pieces. Meak is a highly skilled playmaker who helps the Beavers maintain possession and initiate their offensive attack. Rushlow does much of the dirty work for the Beavers, covering ground from the offensive box to the defensive box.
Offensively, Farmington has been led by Clifford, Bishop, and senior Emma Dunn (Farmington, Maine). The trio has combined to score eight of the team's 12 goals this season. Clifford leads the team with four goals, while Bishop and Dunn have each scored twice.
Farmington will look to pick up a playoff victory for the second consecutive season when it takes on Maine Maritime on Saturday evening.
