WATERVILLE — Two players scored for the East in the McNally Senior All-Star Field Hockey Game. One was playing in her final field hockey game. For the other, the goal was a springboard to what should be an outstanding college career.
Messalonskee’s Mikayla Turner had the first goal, and Miss Maine Field Hockey Allison Lancaster, of Skowhegan, also scored in the second half. Those goals gave the East a 2-0 victory over the West on Saturday afternoon at Thomas College.
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It was the fourth straight win for the East, and the second consecutive shutout. Lancaster was named Most Valuable Player for the East, and forward Taylor Simpson, a former York star who will be playing for Merrimack this fall, was named the West MVP.
The first half was scoreless and short on scoring chances, but the East gradually gained control. The West had the first penalty corner, and Simpson received the ball at the top of the circle and tried to fake right and then flip the ball to open space on her left for the shot. Lancaster, however, snuffed it out and knocked the ball away.
The East scored on its own penalty corner early in the second half. Turner, who scored five goals as a senior at Messalonskee, punched the ball in from the middle of the circle.
“We had a shot on goal,” Turner said. “Then the ball was bobbling around, and someone sent it up from the post to the stroke mark, sweet spot. I slid it past the goalie.”
Turner, who was also a standout lacrosse player for the Eagles, said she will not be playing field hockey at the next level.
“It’s really my last high school sports game ever,” Turner said. “It’s bittersweet. I’m ready to move on to college, but at the same time, it’s such a huge part of my life for so long, that I think I’m going to miss it a lot.”
Turner’s goal, with 21:56 left in the game, gave the East a 1-0 lead. The East stars made it 2-0 10 minutes later when Lancaster scored on a long shot on a 3-on-2 breakaway after a steal.
“I came in, kind of jabbed it, got control, and did a little pull,” Lancaster said.
Lancaster, who had 43 goals and 52 assists in her career at Skowhegan, will play at Providence.
“I’m just super-excited to play with the team,” Lancaster said. “They’re all really skillful. I think that, at that high intensity, it’s a really good learning opportunity for me to get out there and improve my skills.”
The Maine Field Hockey Association, which runs the event, will be making a donation to the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence based on the admissions for Saturday’s all-star game and field hockey festival.
At halftime, Messalonskee coach Katie McLaughlin gave an emotional speech about her sister, Kelly Gorham, who was murdered by Gorham’s ex-fiance, Jason Twardus, in August 2007.
“During the investigation, detectives discovered that Jason had been stalking Kelly,” McLaughlin said. “Kelly was uptight, uncomfortable and even frightened in the weeks leading up to her death. Kelly didn’t want to worry anyone with her situation, and felt she could handle Jason on her own.
“Each and every one of you here today deserves to be happy and have healthy relationships. You deserve a companion that makes you a better person when you are with them. Follow your gut. When something doesn’t seem right in your relationship, tell someone. If someone threatens you, will not leave when you ask or makes you feel uncomfortable, call the police. Call the hotline. Tell someone. Don’t ever feel ashamed, embarrassed or settle for less.”
Saturday would have been Kelly Gorham’s 37th birthday. McLaughlin and many of the people were in tears during and after her speech.
“That story is so sad that it gets me every time,” Turner said. “Especially where I have such a connection with my coach, with her being such a happy, positive person — you’d never know she went through this whole ordeal. She just came out from it such a stronger person, and I really respect her for that. The ability to stand there with all that emotion, and bring a really strong message to all the young girls is just amazing for her to do.”
Matt DiFilippo — 861-9243
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