PORTLAND — Rebecca Archer recorded a hat trick and 10th-seeded Cheverus snapped a five-game losing streak, beating No. 7 Portland 5-1 in a Western Class A field hockey prelim Saturday.
It was Archer’s first hat trick this season and the third of her career.
“I yelled her number a lot,” Portland Coach Beth Arsenault said. “She’s one of those kids that’s so quick, you can’t even mark her. A lot of credit to her, she played a great game.”
“She had a huge game,” agreed Cheverus Coach Amy Ashley. “She’s an extremely hard worker and she needed this. I’m so proud of her for stepping up and really helping this team get this victory. Couldn’t ask for a better kid.”
Cheverus limped into the playoffs with a nine-game winless streak. The Stags lost their final five games of the regular season and were winless since a 2-1 victory over Windham on Sept. 18.
“I forgot how much I love winning,” said Archer.
With 9:25 left in the first half and Cheverus leading 1-0, the game was halted because of lightning. At the time of the stoppage, each team had attempted three shots on goal and had one penalty corner. The delay lasted for 54 minutes.
The Stags dominated after the delay and finished with a 13-5 shot advantage.
“Cheverus came to play and they were pretty relentless,” Arsenault said. “The credit goes to them.”
Kelsey Masselli scored her first career goal with an assist from Colleen Slattery to put Cheverus up 3-0 with 1:34 left in the first half.
“That third goal was huge. It was the first goal (Masselli) has ever scored. Ever. She’s a senior, she stepped up, and the team was so excited for her,” said Ashley.
Hannah Abbott added a goal for Cheverus. Abby Ford chipped in with an assist .
Casey Simpson made four saves for Cheverus.
Ashley Paisley scored the Bulldogs’ lone goal with an assist from Georgia Drew. Gianna Gaudet had eight saves for Portland.
“I’m really proud of the season we had. This was a 3-11 team a year ago and this is virtually the same team,” Arsenault said. “To come out and go 9-5 and get a home-field (playoff) game is great.”
Cheverus plays at No. 2 Gorham in the quarterfinals. The Rams defeated Cheverus 1-0 on Sept. 23.
“I thought we played them tough. We know them and it’s a really good matchup,” Ashley said. “It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re ready and excited for Gorham.”
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