SACO — The Thornton Academy field hockey team cruised to a big 10-1 win over visiting Sanford Monday evening at Hill Stadium.

The Trojans clicked in all phases of the game, and executed throughout the 60-minute battle.

Taylor Ouellette and Cat Henaire led the Trojans with four goals each, while Bella Robinson and Grace Harbour scored the other two.

The TA offense has surged in its last three games, racking up a combined 24 goals.

TA coach Lori Smith was happy with her team’s offensive production, as well as its fast start Monday night.

“We moved some people around the last game and I really like the combinations, it’s working really well,” said Smith. “I like how we came out tonight right away – sometimes we wait until the other team pressures us and then we start going … so tonight it was nice to have that energy right away.”

Ouellette would put TA on the board less than two minutes into the game, knocking in the ball from a scrum in front of the goal.

Sanford would battle hard for the ensuing 10 minutes, however the Trojans exploded by scoring five goals in a span of nine minutes prior to the halftime break to take the 6-0 lead.

Ouellette and Henaire would each score twice in the tear, while Robinson added the first goal to kick off the drive.

TA would continue to surge in the second half, scoring three more goals in the opening 10 minutes. Henaire would score twice and Ouellette would add her fourth goal during the streak.

As the clock winded down and the rain began to fall, both teams began digging into their benches and the two squads would engage in a tight battle for the remaining 10 minutes of play.

Harbour would give TA the 10-0 lead, however Sanford’s Kyleigh Cote would break up the shutout with a goal at the 1:03 mark.

TA goalie Issy Capozzi did not record a save on the day, while Jenica Botting tallied one.

Sanford goalies Amber Singleton and Sarah Nickerson combined for 13 saves on the evening.

“They’re communication has been great, they’re seeing the passes really well. I’ve been proud of how in a lot of our games we’ve been giving up maybe one defensive corner here and there … we’ve been playing really good defense as well as offense,” said Smith.

Smith was also happy to rest her starters and give her subs some minutes later in the game.

“We have a big game Wednesday so I was trying to sub some of the kids. It’s about finding the balance and making sure the kids are playing enough but also getting them some rest and having the young kids in there,” said Smith.

TA improves to 8-2-1 on the season, and will face 9-1-1 Massabesic on Wednesday.

The Trojans will have their work cut out for them, but Smith is confident her team will rise to the occasion.

“They’re tough … they’re definitely tough and they’ve been rolling. They have a great offense and defense. It’s always a battle with them – it’s like a shoot out. It will be a battle for sure.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at [email protected] or at 282-1535 ext. 323.