FALMOUTH — A strong defensive effort and two second-half goals lifted the Falmouth High field hockey team to a 2-1 win over Kennebunk on Monday.

The Yachtsmen (5-3) were able to shut down the Rams’ offensive attack for most of the game. Kennebunk scored with 1:30 left in the second half.

“I was really pleased with how we played, we had struggled a bit in the last week,” Falmouth Coach Robin Haley said. “Today, I really thought that they put some things together that helped us put the ball in the net.”

The Rams dominated possession in the first 15 minutes of the game, but failed to score thanks to a tight Falmouth defense and exceptional play in goal by senior Elizabeth Amadei.

“Our defense has really been key for us all season long,” Haley said. “They’re a close-knit group and they really communicate and work well with each other.”

After a scoreless first half, Falmouth got things going offensively with three shots on goal in the first three minutes of the second half.

The Yachtsmen finally broke through with 19 minutes to play when junior Kate Kelley scored on a rebound.

Less than two minutes later, junior Lisa Smoluk found an opening just a few yards from the net and gave Falmouth a 2-0 lead.

Kennebunk missed an opportunity with 10:31 left when Amadei made a nice save on a fast break to preserve the lead.

Additionally, Kennebunk received three consecutive penalty corners, but were left empty-handed on each occasion.

With 1:30 left in the game, the Rams scored when sophomore Lindsey Gregoire put one into the net after a beautiful feed from senior Stephanie Sullivan.

Kennebunk had one last chance with 13 seconds to go, but missed on a penalty corner to seal the victory for the Yachtsmen.

“I’d like to continue to work on our execution on the offensive end,” Haley said. “We’re just about there, but when we tighten a few things up it’ll help us be more successful.”

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