Our Communities. Our Teams. Our Future.
We’re proud to make high school sports coverage free for everyone—because these moments matter. At Maine State Credit Union, we’re here for the people and places that make Maine strong. Let’s Go! Learn more at mainestatecu.org.
FARMINGTON — Mt. Blue field hockey coach Julie Lajoie recently added a new play for penalty corners. The Cougars executed it perfectly Tuesday, and as a result, they’re headed to the Class A North semifinals.
Kali Judkins broke a scoreless deadlock with about six minutes remaining by fighting through defenders to get into a position for a pass from Lily Huntley before firing a shot into the cage. Her goal gave the third-seeded Cougars a 1-0 victory over sixth-seeded Brewer.
Huntley said teamwork was crucial in the situation.
“We were just working together,” Huntley said. “I think it’s the working together that really helps our team a lot. We feed off of each other’s energy.”
Mt. Blue (13-2) practiced the play on Monday. Lajoie designed it specifically as a way to attack Brewer goalie Abbie Derosier, whom Lajoie calls the best goalie in the state.
“We’re just trying to switch her, because we know how strong a goalie she is,” Lajoie stated. “We’re just trying to find a way to get around her. You have to solve that goalie to win a game against Brewer.”
Derosier gave Brewer a chance
Derosier showed why coaches hold her in high regard throughout the game by making 11 saves. She kept the game scoreless early in the second quarter by making a diving save to her right on a penalty stroke taken by Huntley.
“I mean, her and our defense have been amazing all year,” said Brewer coach Jamie Emerson. “They work really well together. Our defense, you know, they don’t get the credit they deserve, either, because they’re pretty incredible back there. Abbie is a leader back there. She tells everyone what they need to be doing and they fall in line.”
After the Cougars got the lead in the fourth quarter, Derosier made three saves in a row off another penalty corner to keep the Witches (7-6-2) close.
Mt. Blue preached patience throughout the contest. The Cougars defeated Brewer in the regular season, 1-0, on Sept. 17
“Mentality, you just have to stay in the game, next play,” Huntley said. “We always say next best play keeps us in the game. So, that’s what really helps us, hyping each other up and keeping our energy up to keep looking for that next moment.”
They said it
“I think this year, we really want to make it to that state final. So that’s what’s really driving us is we have that, like, intensity to get there.” —Mt. Blue senior Kali Judkins
” We knew (Mt. Blue was) going to be a really good team this year. But I knew that we were going to be a better team at the end of the year than at the start of the year and we played them pretty early on. So I expected us to come out here and compete. I think that’s exactly what we did today.” — Brewer coach Jamie Emerson
We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is found on our FAQs. You can modify your screen name here.
Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve.
Join the Conversation
Please sign into your CentralMaine.com account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe. Questions? Please see our FAQs.