SCARBOROUGH — Playing against the defending Class A field hockey state champions, Thornton Academy sophomore Taylor Ouellette was completely unfazed.

Knowing the Trojans had never beaten the Red Storm – and even having their season end on Scarborough’s turf last season – couldn’t intimidate the budding star.

The Thornton winger scored both goals as the Trojans (14-2) earned a 2-0 semifinal victory Saturday to advance to Class A South regional final on Tuesday at Fitzpatrick Stadium.

“Something about Scarborough gets me hyped up,” said Oullette.

Added Thornton coach Lori Smith: “She scored here last year too. She has that confidence that, doing it as a freshman, she knew she could do it as a sophomore. She’s just always in the right place at the time.”

Part of being in the right place at the right time was a position change earlier this season, following the Trojans’ 2-1 loss to Scarborough (13-3) on Sept. 24.

“Taylor is great on the left wing,” said Smith. “I actually moved her from center forward to left wing. It’s where she’s most comfortable.”

Ouellette’s two goals were more than enough for the Trojans to advance because of a smothering defensive effort that allowed just three penalty corners and one shot on goal in the contest.

“Part of our plan was to try and play really smart defense,” said Smith. “Ali Oullette has been doing awesome at flyer, Grace Pickering is probably the best trail defender in the state I think. We were confident. I was just really proud of them today, there really were not a lot of mistakes on defense today.”

Added Pickering, a finalist for Miss Maine Field Hockey: “Our defense was a weaker point in the beginning of the season for us, and we’ve worked really, really hard on it. This game really showcased how hard we did work. Our defense played really well.”

The Trojans used that defensive showing to keep offensive pressure on Red Storm for much of the game. Thornton Academy finished with 14 shots on goal and significantly won the time of possession battle.

“That was the game plan. If you have possession of the ball, there’s no way they can score,” said Pickering. “We’ve been waiting four years for this moment. It feels like every playoff game we’ve lost in my four years has been here in Scarborough. It’s an amazing feeling and I’m so happy for my team.”

Added Smith: “The minute our regular season ended, I wanted another shot at them. I was happy when I heard they beat Falmouth. I knew our kids could do it and I wanted that for them.”

On the other side of the field, goalie Alyssa Souza kept the defending state champs in the game, turning away 12 shots in defeat.

“She’s done it all season,” said Scarborough coach Kerri Mariello. “It’s her senior season and she knew she had to leave it all out there, which she did. She saved us in a lot of situations.”

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