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OAKLAND — Messalonskee coach Cora Clukey wanted to see improved timing on offense from the Eagles as the regular season winds down.
She saw a big improvement on Tuesday night.
Junior midfielder Chloe Masse scored seven goals and added two assists as the Eagles beat Mt. Blue, 14-7, in a Class B matchup at Veterans Field.
“We’re really excited, this was a win we needed going into the playoffs,” Masse said.
Sophomore Leah Van Tuinen had three goals, while junior Rylee McKay added two goals for Messalonskee (5-6). Alexa Caccamo had a goal and three assists.
“We had a really good passing game today, that was important,” Masse said.
Added Clukey: “We’ve been really driving home working together this past week. Just going over and over and over our plays, and the timing of those plays. They just weren’t getting the timing … They’ve been working on communication all season, and that’s what it takes.”
Lily Huntley had two goals and an assists for Mt. Blue (6-5). Grace Allen added a goal and an assist.
“We were having a hard time connecting as a team today, mostly with passing,” Mt. Blue coach Liz LeClair said. “(Messalonskee) played high pressure defense on us, so I think that was a challenge we had to overcome. We just didn’t kick it into gear until the third quarter, and by then, it was a little too late.”
How did they get there?
• Quick-strike goals: In the first three minutes of the game Masse scored twice and McKay added a goal to give Messalonskee a 3-0 lead.
• Good fight: Mt. Blue slugged back throughout the first quarter. Huntley scored twice, while Nina Bogar and Bree Griffin added one each to pulled the Cougars within one.
• Better finish: Though Mt. Blue kept it close, Van Tuinen, McKay and Masse all scored in the second quarter, pushing Messalonskee to a 10-5 lead at halftime. Masse, Van Tuinen and Sophia Ventimiglia finished the scoring for the Eagles.
What does it mean?
• Both the Eagles and Cougars are battling for position for the Class B playoffs. Messalonskee entered the game as a No. 11 seed, just outside of the position needed to earn a prelim game. With the victory, the Eagles moved up a spot, to No. 10 in the standings. Messalonskee still has three games left in the regular season, all on the road, including Friday in Augusta against rival Cony (8-3).
“Our transition is coming along at the right time, too,” Clukey said. “We’ve had a couple of breakdowns, but they’re picking it up. I’m very pleased (at the team’s progression).”
• Mt. Blue dropped from No. 8 in the standings to No. 9, but the Cougars have shown improvement throughout the regular season.
“It has been a great season, and it think it comes from the energy and enthusiasm from our team,” LeClair said. “It starts with the attacking line; their riding is so intense. And we have a really strong senior class. The improvement just comes with the program building.”
Statistical leaders
• Messalonskee: Chloe Masse (7 goals, 2 assists), Leah Van Tuinen (3 goals), Rylee McKay (2 goals)
• Mt. Blue: Lily Huntley (2 goals, assist), Grace Allen (goal, assist)
Up next
• Messalonskee: at Cony, 6 p.m., Friday
• Mt. Blue: vs. Morse, 4 p.m., Thursday
