ASHLAND, Maine — The Ashland girls soccer team defeated Katahdin 3-2 at the Ashland District School on Monday after a close match-up.
Ashland struck first five minutes in with a goal by senior Willow Hall, assisted by sophomore Kayla MacLean. But Katahdin responded 16 minutes later on a solo goal from sophomore Maggie O’Hara, tying it 1-1. The half ended with both teams tied in what seemed to be an even-handed match-up.
The Hornets struck first again in period 2 with a goal by junior Mia Carney with an assist from junior Gabbie Ayotte, making it 2-1 Ashland. The Cougars responded in-kind about 20 minutes later, tying the game on a solo goal from junior Emily Beyer.
But Ayotte ended up sealing the win with a final unassisted goal with eight minutes left, making the score 3-2 Ashland. Katahdin was unsuccessful in its attempts to tie in the last minutes of the match, and Ashland came out with the win at home.
Ashland coach Peter Belskis said he thought his team had underperformed and looked “a little flat” on the field. He attributed its performance to his team not playing a game for a week and not practicing since last Thursday. Belskis also lauded Katahdin as a formidable opponent.
“I think this was our hiccup game, because we are very capable of playing better than we played tonight,” Belskis said. “Call it an ugly win, but a win’s a win.”
Katahdin coach Shawn McAvoy said he thought his team had played reasonably well against Ashland. He hoped that there would be a different outcome when the Cougars play the Hornets at home on Friday.
The Ashland boys team also won on Tuesday against Katahdin in Stacyville, led by Brady Holmes, who had two goals for the Hornets. Ashland goalkeeper Garrett Tilley had 15 saves on 22 shots, while Katahdin’s Kalan Mann had nine saves on 12 shots. Grady Ritchie scored Katahdin’s lone goal on the day.
Ashland’s Hailee Cunningham, left, is covered by a Katahdin’s Hunter Hartsgrove, right, in a varsity soccer match at Ashland District School. (David Marino Jr. | The Star-Herald)
Ashland’s Gabriella Ayotte, right, is covered by Katahdin’s Charlotte Hartt, left, in a varsity soccer match at Ashland District School. (David Marino Jr. | The Star-Herald)
