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AUGUSTA — The Penobscot Valley girls basketball program has been known for its high-octane offense.

On Saturday afternoon, though, the Howlers earned another Gold Ball because of their defense.

Despite scoring just four points in the fourth quarter, Penobscot Valley held on for a 42-35 victory over Mt. Abram in the Class D championship game at the Augusta Civic Center.

Senior forward Lila Cummings had a double-double for the Howlers (17-5), scoring 15 points while adding 16 rebounds. She also had four steals and three blocks. Junior guard Brooklynn Raymond added 13 points.

“It’s just incredible to be a part of something like this,” Raymond said. “We know we’d do anything for each other.”

It’s the second straight Gold Ball for Penobscot Valley, which won the Class C championship last year.

Mt. Abram, playing in its first state final since 2007, finished 18-4. Jenna Osgood led the Roadrunners with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Abby McCarty scored 11 points.

Mt. Abram led 22-21 at halftime, but Penobscot Valley allowed just 13 points in the second half. The Howlers stepped up their offense in the third quarter, outscoring Mt. Abram 17-6.

Mt. Abram was able to limit Raymond and Rylee Moulton, two of Penobscot Valley’s top scorers, but Cummings got opportunities in the post and scored eight points in the third quarter.

“We assumed that they would probably try to (take away) Brooklynn and Rylee,” Cummings said. “The other girls, like me, Abby (Farley) and Charlotte (Brochu), knew we had to come in and relieve them.”

“I trust Lila to step up with the ball in her hands,” Penobscot Valley coach Nate Case said. “She shoots about 52 percent from the (foul) line, but I don’t care. She’s strong with the basketball in that situation. I’ve trusted her since she was a sophomore to be able to handle the ball.”

The real damage inflicted by Penobscot Valley came on the defensive end of the floor. The Howlers forced 11 turnovers in the second half.

“We knew it was going to be a really aggressive game on (Mt. Abram’s) side, “Cummings said. “Turning our defense into offense is what really won us this game.”

“We knew (Mt. Abram) wasn’t going to roll over,” Raymond said. “We just needed to keep the pressure on all game and stay locked in.”

Mt. Abram went on a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter, cutting its deficit to 38-35, but didn’t score again.

“I’m just super proud of the girls,” Mt. Abram coach Jason Wing said. “We said we were going to battle for 32 minutes, no matter what happened, and I think we played hard right to the end. A shot goes our way, doesn’t go their way, it changes things.

“Playing within seven points, I don’t think a lot of people gave us much credit (before the game). I believed in the girls from the get-go. I’m just proud of where we’re at (as a program). It’s not the result we wanted, but we’ll take second place.”