READFIELD — The Winslow and Maranacook girls soccer team turned in a fine defensive effort and had few quality scoring chances as they played to a 0-0 tie in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B regular season finale for both teams Tuesday afternoon.

“Both teams played extremely hard,” Maranacook coach Mike Morin said. “It was a great game to get us ready for the playoffs, Winslow is a very good team.”

Winslow (11-2-1) controlled the game in the first half, then Maranacook (7-3-4) took over in the second half, using good ball movement through the middle to establish a consistent attack.

“For us it was more about ball movement and communication in the second half,” Morin said. “Defense was certainly the key to this game.”

Maranacook had it’s best scoring bid smothered by the Winslow defense. Maranacook’s Jana Elwell and Katelyn MacGregor both unleashed strong bids inside the penalty area that were blocked by the defense at about the 34 minute mark of the second half.

“It was punch, counter-punch,” Winslow coach Sean Carey said. “This was a good jumping off point for us to begin the playoffs.”

Seven minutes later, Winslow’s Pilar Elias found a loose ball at the top of the box and fired a hard shot toward the lower right corner. Maranacook goalkeeper Elizabeth D’Angelo made a diving save at the post.

Maranacook had a 12-7 advantage in shots but was unable to penetrate a Winslow defense of Meg Nadeau, Kristina Alofatuli, Jordyn Labrie, Emma Saletta and Mackenzie Carlow.

Winslow keeper Hillary Libby was extremely active in the back for the Black Raiders, cutting down numerous long balls before they became a problem. Libby finished with seven saves.

“Overall it was a great defensive matchup,” Carey said. “Maranacook did a nice job playing back and blocking up the middle.”

Maranacook defended with a quality back four of Sara Beckwith, Natalie Wicks, Ashley Belanger and Sage Hyland. D’Angelo made four saves.

Each team managed just one shot during the overtime session.

 

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