BATH — The Cony and Messalonskee High School girls lacrosse teams brought out the best in each other this spring.

The two squads faced off four times last season — three of which ended in Eagle victories — and were separated by just five goals.

Their June 14 meeting in the Eastern Class A semifinals was an instant classic as Messalonskee held off a late Cony charge for a 10-9 victory at Thomas College.

“I knew every game it was going to be the most intense game,” Messalonskee’s Ally Fischang said. “We played it like a state game every time we saw them.

“…That was a blast to play.”

The feeling was mutual from the Rams.

“Obviously we try hard for every game,” Cony’s Emily Quirion said, “but when we play (Messalonskee) it’s more focused, more adrenaline.”

Throughout the season Kristen Kern and Fischang starred for the Eagles, while Rams Bayleigh Logan, Emily and Hayley Quirion were every bit as strong.

Thursday at McMann Field the five standouts penned the final chapter in their high school rivalry, competing against each other one last time in the Maine Lacrosse Coaches Association Senior All-Star Game.

The three Cony stars all agreed a win Thursday was not quite the same as a victory against the Eagles, but were happy to leave the field on top nonetheless following a 17-10 victory for the Pink squad over the Green.

“It’s definitely not the same,” Emily Quirion said, “but it felt good. Every win feels good.

“…It was a great experience. We’re honored to be able to play in an all-star game and we had a lot of fun.”

“It definitely brought back some memories,” added Hayley Quirion. “Obviously, every time we got the ball we wanted to get by (them) and play good defense on (them). The rivalry was there.”

After the game Freeport’s Molly Lane was named the most valuable player for Pink, while Westbrook’s Nicole Miranda garnered the same honor for Green.

Logan had a goal for Pink in the win, while Gardiner’s Abby Dunn — who was joined by fellow Tiger Brooke Curtis — netted a pair of scores.

“Truthfully I thought today was awesome. It was so fun,” Kern said. “I would say everyone here — rivals or not — we’re just here to play a good game of lacrosse.”

Kern scored a goal for Green but finding the back of the net — something she did quite often in her high school career — was not the top accomplishment for the now former Eagle.

In a ceremony at halftime Kern received the Coach Flossie Smith Award, which is annually given out to “a senior lacrosse player who embodies the spirit and love of lacrosse as Flossie herself did.”

This was the 11th year for the award given out in Smith’s memory, the former Bonny Eagle coach who passed away from cancer in 2002.

“My coach told me I would be nominated for it and that was an honor in itself,” Kern said. “To actually be awarded the Flossie Smith Award was a great way to end my high school career.”

“The award described (Kern),” added Fischang. “It was her.”

Evan Crawley — 621-5640

ecrawley@mainetoday.com

Twitter: @Evan_Crawley

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