DIXFIELD
Coach Julie Petrie is known for using the right words with her Lisbon field hockey team when things aren’t working.
The Greyhounds responded to Petrie with authority Wednesday in a key Mountain Valley Conference battle against Dirigo.
Senior Kate Philbrick scored the game-winning goal on a drive 3:23 in to the second half as the Greyhounds took home a 2- 0 win over Dirigo at Harlow Park.
At this point of the season, every game is important. Dirigo (7-5) and Lisbon (9-3) entered the game at fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Class C South Heal Point Standings.
“We had talked during halftime about communicating,” said Petrie, who stressed passing with a purpose and take proper angles. “ We changed things like switching wings and inners around, along with surging up midfield. (The question) was how bad they wanted it.”
Lisbon immediately applied pressure when play resumed and it paid off. Mallory Fairbanks drilled the ball forward and an infraction gave Lisbon a free start at the 25-yard line.
Philbrick promptly leaned over the ball, choked up on the stick and started driving directly toward the circle. She got by Dirigo fullbacks Alexa Varnum and Ashley Walker, goalie Morgan Morrow charged out and Philbrick put the ball in to the back of the net.
“I was thinking, ‘I’ve got to score a goal. We were down,” Philbrick said. “ I was frustrated and we needed help. We had gained some momentum, and when I started with ball, I kept pushing forward. The goalie came out and I pushed it by her.”
Dirigo tried to pick up its offense and created some opportunities, but was unable to finish. Several carries by Ashley Perreault down the right alley led to crossing passes. But the Cougars’ front line of Alyssa McTyre, Sophia Jacques and Kayla Brooks were a step behind, allowing the balls to sail through.
“ We simply didn’t match Lisbon’s intensity in the second half,” Dirigo assistant coach Erin Wainwright said. “Coming in, our goal was to shut down (Chase) Collier and I felt we did it.”
When the Cougars did reach the circle, Lisbon defenders Emily Brewer and Shelby Cyr were able to rotate over in front of goalie Mikaylia Harnden.
“ We were able to get some nice crossing passes off, but no one was home,” Wainwright said. “ We all are watching Heal points and we still are hoping to earn a home playoff game.”
Lisbon added an insurance goal when Sadie Hardt converted a Morgan Fenderson pass with 20: 45 remaining in the game.
The Greyhounds host Oak Hill on Friday at 3:30 p.m.
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