WESTBROOK — The game was tighter than the score conveyed.
While the Cheverus field hockey team managed to notch a 3-0 win over Westbrook in Thursday’s opener, the game came down to one simple thing.
“We capitalized on opportunities,” said Sally Cloutier, Cheverus’ first-year coach. “Other than that it was an even game.”
Hannah Abbott scored twice and Mallory Leighton had the other goal for the Stags.
“Westbrook is always a really physical team,” said Abbott. “It’s always a tough, competitive game when we play them.”
Westbrook, which lost 2-1 to Cheverus in last year’s Class A South quarterfinals, controlled the first 10 minutes, keeping the ball on Cheverus’ half of the field.
“I think we actually played better after the first 10 minutes,” Cloutier said. “We were a little nervous. We worked out the kinks. Once we started clicking it was good.”
Abbott snatched momentum from the Blazes with 17 minutes left in the half when she capitalized on a penalty corner.
“We had a couple breakdowns on defense,” Westbrook Coach Beth Murphy said. “They were quick. That speed took some of our kids out of their game.”
Leighton made it 2-0 after four minutes of the second half from a scrum in front.
“Bella (Boothe) passed me the ball,” Leighton said. “I was just in the right position to tip it in.”
Abbott scored the final goal with 16 minutes left on a fast break.
Down 3-0, the Blazes threatened with several shots on goal in the final minutes.
“They pressured us hard at the end,” Cloutier said. “They were all in the circle. We stayed smart and kept our sticks down.”
Cheverus goalkeeper Kat Kane finished with four saves; Kimmy Goddard had five for Westbrook.
“Defensively, (Cheverus) did a nice job of getting the ball out of there,” Murphy said, noting midfielder Charlotte Noyes. “That girl definitely deflated our egos, so kudos to them. It was a pretty tight game besides the goals.”
Westbrook finished with five penalty corners. Cheverus had four.
“We’re happy that we’re starting the new season strong,” Abbott said. “Every single girl brought everything they had.”
Murphy, meanwhile, noted her Blazes are a young team.
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