Staff Writer
The top-seeded Hornet girls’ faced number-two Bangor Christian in Friday’s pristine fall weather at the Ashland pitch. They claimed the Eastern Maine Class D title, 2-0, in memory of their teammate Mindy Long.
Staff photo/Mark Putnam
BREAKING DOWN the sideline is Hornet Jessica Jimmo, who scored one goal in Friday’s win over Bangor Christian.
Suzie Poulin dribbled in the first-half score.
“I kind of knew at the end of the half that they weren’t going to come back,” commented senior captain Whitney Flint.
Jessica Jimmo slammed in the second-half point for the shutout. Flint and senior captain Mindy Chasse, feel Autumn Connor led defense against the top Patriot scorer. Taylor Baker made seven saves, under the Patriots’
offensive attack.
“It’s been a magical season,” said coach Peter Belskis. “The girls are pumped … they played with a lot of passion, a sense of urgency and a lot of commitment.”
The 15-0-2 Hornets will test skills with number-two Richmond, who pulled the upset over Greenville, in Saturday’s state final.
“I guess they’re bridesmaids,” commented Flint. “They’ve gone to states every year for three years and haven’t won.” Richmond, 12-3, has 14 seniors.
In practice this week, along with the coaches, the captains will push their teammates to stay in shape with running and work on set plays.
“Both our goals came off of set plays so they’re obviously working,” noted Flint.
“We want to leave with the bar set high,” said Chasse. The girls want the silver state championship ball for their trophy case.
The Ashland girls’ varsity offense kept the attack on the Katahdin net in Wednesday’s semifinal to claim a 3-0 shutout. The Hornets outshot their opponent 24 to eight, with the orange keeper Baker blocking all the balls kicked her way.
Hornets Crystal Cook, Flint and Jacky Raymond all had goals. Cook and Chasse made assists.
Staff photo/Mark Putnam
THE ASHLAND GIRLS TEAM set the stage Friday for a Hornet sweep of the Eastern Maine Class D soccer championships with a hard-fought, 2-0, win over visiting Bangor Christian. The 15-0-2 ACHS girls will face Richmond at East Millinocket on Saturday in the state finals.
