SOUTH BERWICK — Megan McLean buried a header early in the second half, propelling third-seeded Marshwood to a 2-1 victory over No. 6 Kennebunk in a Western Class A quarterfinal on Wednesday evening.

With Marshwood holding onto a 1-0 lead, Natalie DuBois sent a cross to McLean, whose first attempt popped over the defender’s head, short of the net. McLean stuck with the play and got in position to head the ball in for the goal.

“It was a little miskick and then I kind of closed my eyes and headed the ball,” McLean said.

The goal gave the Hawks (12-2-1) the breathing room they needed.

“Kennebunk had a quick transition game, so that put us on our heels a lot,” said Marshwood Coach Luke Edgar. “It made us play a little anxious at first. Not until the second goal did we really start to play confidently.”

The Rams had opportunities, outshooting the Hawks 15-9 and holding a 5-2 edge in corner kicks.

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But Marshwood struck first with 5:08 remaining in the first half on a goal by Hannah Fife, assisted by freshman Marin Smith.

“I thought this was Marin Smith’s best game of the season,” Edgar said. “She was relentless up top. Her touch was amazing. Her passes were very accurate.”

Kennebunk (8-5-3) generated 11 of its shots in the second half, and really turned up the intensity in the final 10 minutes. With 3:12 remaining, the Rams scored on Alyssa Weigle’s free kick to cut the lead to one.

“It was a little close at the end there but we continued to talk to (communicate) and it worked out,” said Marshwood defender Lydia Carlson.

“They’re a quality team. They did what they needed to in order to win,” said Kennebunk Coach John Dolan. “I think we outplayed them today and deserved a better result but that’s the way the game goes sometimes.”

Marshwood will play at Scarborough on Saturday in a regional semifinal. The Hawks defeated the Red Storm 3-2 early in the regular season while playing at home.

“The girls are looking forward to playing Scarborough. The girls are looking forward to showing Scarborough how they’ve improved since they played them in the beginning of the season,” said Edgar.

“We’re going to show them that we’re the better team,” McLean said. “We beat them once and we can do it again. They’ve beat us all three years I’ve been playing so this is our chance and we’re finally going to beat them.”


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