By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
The Caribou Vikings’ bid for an Eastern Maine Class B championship got under way yesterday afternoon when the team hosted Ellsworth in the quarter-final round.
Contributed photo/jMavor Photography
Katie Keaton of the Caribou Vikings is a key defender for her No. 1-ranked soccer squad.
Caribou was 11-2-1 on the regular season, including a pair of impressive victories over rival Presque Isle. The team went 6-1 overall against Class playoff qualifiers, including a 3-0 victory at Ellsworth Sept. 23.
Caribou is the No. 1 seed and will hold home-field advantage throughout the post-season. The Vikes have a brilliant all-around performer in senior Jenna Selander, an all-New England choice last year, but also have quick wings Jamie Martin and Olivia Sleeper and strong players along the midfield and defense as well. Sophomore sweeper Hannah Hebert and junior goalie Morgan Swan lead the defense. Team depth was also a major factor in Caribou’s excellent regular season.
A win yesterday would have moved the Vikings into the semifinals and a home match Saturday against the winner of the Hermon-Gardiner quarter-final.
A couple other girls quarter-final matches took place yesterday, with No. 4 Washburn entertaining No. 5 Deer Isle-Stonington in Class D play. The Beavers entered with an 8-4-2 record, while Deer Isle-Stonington boasts a 9-1-4 mark. Washburn has received great play all season from sophomore goalkeeper Rayah Saucier and boast several other talented young players throughout the lineup.
Fort Fairfield, which tied Ashland 2-2 in its regular season finale Oct. 25, went in as the No. 6 seed with a 7-5-2 record and took on No. 3 Van Buren yesterday afternoon. Freshman Logan Bubar has been one of the key weapons for the Tigers, while the Crusaders were led by freshman Parise Rossignol throughout the regular season.
The girls’ Class D semifinals are scheduled to be played Friday.
Contributed photo/jMavor Photography
Junior Paige Small has been an important player for the Viking girls throughout the season. The team went 11-2-1 and is ranked first in Eastern Maine Class B entering the playoffs, which began Tuesday with a quarter-final home match against Ellsworth.
