CUMBERLAND — Waynflete maintained its mastery over Greely in girls’ lacrosse Wednesday, but had to come from behind twice to do it.

The Flyers, the two-time defending Class B state champions, took control in the final 15 minutes to pull out an 11-8 victory against the Rangers.

Additional Photos

Cameron Keefe of Greely gets a close look – a darn close look – at the lacrosse ball Wednesday while attempting to find a way through Waynflete’s defense, including Sofia Canning, foreground. Greely had opportunities but ended up falling 11-8 to a team that’s won six straight Western Maine championships. Photos by Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

Gabby Bouchard of Greely gets the ball past Waynflete goaltender Charlotte Majercik to score a first-half goal. Waynflete scored twice near the end of the half to make it 4-4 at the break.

It was Waynflete’s 17th consecutive win over Greely dating back more than a decade.

“(Waynflete) has some really talented players but their strength is that they know how to play as a team,” Greely Coach Becca Koelker said.

“We saw the strongest unit possible out there.”

The Rangers twice led by two goals before the Flyers reeled off seven straight to open an 11-6 lead with less than a minute and a half remaining.

It was the fifth consecutive victory for Waynflete, which started the season by losing two of its first three games.

“Practices have been much more focused than they were in the beginning of the season,” said Leigh Fernandez, who had five goals and an assist for the Flyers.

“The underclassmen are really, really paying attention and stepping up. I think everything is coming together pretty well.”

The Flyers, who have won six consecutive regional titles, are missing seven players from a year ago, including the Maine Sunday Telegram female athlete of the year, Martha Veroneau.

“We have a lot of youth,” Fernandez said, “but the young ones are stepping up, taking charge and helping out the seniors really well.”

Hannah Thompson-Greaves and Fernandez scored in the final minute of the first half to make it 4-4.

“We don’t play the prettiest games all the time,” said Cat Johnson, who had three goals and an assist for Waynflete, “but we try to end on a high note before a half ends or after a timeout to raise morale. Lacrosse is really a mental game.”

The Rangers (3-4) moved into a 6-4 lead eight minutes into the second half, but Waynflete’s defense clamped down and held them scoreless for nearly 16 minutes.

The Flyers (6-2) took the lead for the first time when Johnson put in a rebound of a shot by Fernandez while killing off a penalty to Thompson-Greaves for a slash.

“We basically say if the opportunity is there, take it,” Waynflete Coach Cathy Connors said, “but we’re looking to keep the ball moving for a little while and get back on seven-on-seven (players).”

Earlier the Flyers had to play with two players down while Helen Gray-Bauer and Johnson were serving penalties.

“(Waynflete) takes care of the ball,” Koelker said. “We could have been a little more patient when we had the ball on attack.”

Christian Rowe scored two goals for Waynflete. Thompson-Greaves scored a goal and had an assist. Ella Millard had an assist.

Teal Otley led Greely with three goals and an assist. Gabby Bouchard had a goal and an assist. Sophomores Meghan Dougherty and Maggie Reed each scored their first varsity goal for the Rangers.

Katherine Laggett-Barr and Maura Kaminow also scored for Greely. Eliza Kinney, Katie Nicoleau and Jocelyn Mitiguy each had an assist.

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