The Thomas College field hockey team entered a Wednesday night contest with Colby at 1-2, having already surpassed early expectations of head coach Andrea Thebarge.
The Terriers have played competitive field hockey with a young roster that includes nine freshmen. The Terriers beat Southern Maine 1-0 in the season opener Sept. 1, before falling 2-1 to Simmons on Sept. 3 and 1-0 at Nichols six days later.
“I’m really happy with how we’ve been playing really early in the season,” Thebarge said. “We’re just not finishing. Our stats have been overwhelmingly better than our opponents. We’re just not putting the ball in the cage.”
The scoring opportunities were there against Simmons as Thomas held a 12-3 advantage on penalty corners. And they were there in the Nichols contest, as the Terriers had decisive advantages in shots (17-2) and penalty corners (24-3).
“We have a lot of people in different positions this year,” Thebarge said. “We have two people playing forward that were both defenders last year, so that’s quite a change. Some of our opponents have had some great defensive saves, kind of got robbed a few times. But I definitely think it will come.”
Thebarge is pleased with how quickly team chemistry has developed, with veteran players meshing well with the freshmen class.
Kennebunk native Tiffany Weeks is the top returning veteran. She leads the team with a goal and an assist. Thebarge also credited the play of senior forward and Gardiner native Abigail Dunn.
“Those guys have really stepped up strong,” Thebarge said. “Tiff was a right back last year and now she’s a left wing, so she’s one of those that’s adjusting to a new position.”
On defense, one of the top returners is Mount View graduate and senior back Caitlyn Poulin.
“(Poulin) is really our quarterback back there on defense,” Thebarge said.
Kennebunk native Allie Gregoire — who earned a spot in the starting lineup at midfield — and Thornton Academy graduate Sidney Hurst lead a talented group of newcomers. Thebarge also has two new goalies who share playing time in sophomore MacKenzie Oberholzer and Skowhegan native Leah Kruse.
The combination could well be a success this season, and certainly sets up the Terriers for the next four years.
“It’s exciting for the future,” Thebarge said.
Thomas next plays at Mount Holyoke on Sunday.
• • •
The University of Maine at Farmington men’s soccer team got off to a 2-1 start heading into a game against Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday.
The Beavers edged Rivier 1-0 on Sept. 2, and recorded a 3-0 win over Southern Vermont on Sept. 10. UMF has shown the ability to spread the ball around on offense, as five different scorers have tallied the first five goals of the season. Buckfield native Jon Randolph has scored one of those five goals.
The Beavers have also received strong play out of goalkeeper Matt Wilson, who has 14 saves and two shutouts.
UMF hosts Lyndon State on Saturday afternoon.
• • •
After opening the regular season with a Sept. 9 scoreless draw to Tufts, the Colby women’s soccer team jumped out to a 4-1 victory over Husson the next day. Four different players scored in the contest: Catherine Fraser, Sarah Lofstrom, Emily Demmon and Laura Ensminger. The Mules kept the offensive outburst going Wednesday night, beating Thomas 6-0. Olivia Greif scored two goals, while Emily Martin and Katherine Gillespie each had a goal and an assist.
The Mules (2-0-1) host Williams on Saturday.
Around the area: After jumping out to a 2-0 start and outscoring opponents 15-1 in its first two games, the Thomas men’s soccer team has dropped three straight contests. Adam LaBrie once again leads the Terriers in scoring, with four goals in four games. The Terriers look to get back on track Saturday against visiting Husson…After an 0-3 start, the UMF field hockey team picked up its first win of the season with a 4-0 win over Southern Maine. Winthrop native Emmah Spahr, Gardiner native Nickyia Lovely, Farmington native Sarita Crandall and Andrea Stemm each scored for the Beavers.
Dave Dyer — 621-5640
ddyer@centralmaine.com
Twitter: @Dave_Dyer
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