There was no repeat title.
No validation that it was the best team in state history.
Instead, Cheverus’ field hockey team saw its season end in heartbreak Saturday with a one-goal loss to perennial powerhouse Skowhegan in the Class A state final.
But what a run of dominance the Stags enjoyed.
Cheverus, which rolled to an 18-0 record and a first-ever state title in 2021, outscoring the opposition along the way to the tune of 99 goals to nine, was even more prolific this fall.
The Stags scored at least five goals every time they took the field, won all 14 regular season games with ease and had a goals differential of 118-5.
As the top seed in Class A South, Cheverus made quick work of No. 9 Falmouth in the quarterfinals (9-0) and fifth-ranked Thornton Academy (5-1) in the semifinals to reach the regional final Wednesday of last against No. 6 Windham in Biddeford, where the Stags took care of business again in decisive fashion.
Cheverus enjoys a goal scoring celebration during last week’s 6-0 victory over Windham in the Class A South Final. Brianna Soukup / Portland Press Herald
Cheverus’ sophomore sensation Lucy Johnson helped put it away early with three goals in the game’s first 17 minutes and added one more, while Olivia McCartney and Taylor Tory also rattled the cage.
“I definitely think that all of my teammates helped with (my game),” Johnson said. “Our defense was very strong tonight, our midfield pushed up really well, and corners were executed really well. We did a good job tonight.”
That set the stage for one of the most highly anticipated state finals in memory, against a Skowhegan team that has long been the gold standard and one that also ran the table this fall. The River Hawks came in on a high note after rallying to edge Oxford Hills in a memorable Class A North Final last Wednesday. Skowhegan was additionally fired up, looking to avenge last year’s 4-1 state game loss.
Cheverus’s Lucy Johnson tries to get through the Skowhegan defense in Saturday’s Class A state field hockey final. Johnson scored twice, but the Stags’ quest for a second consecutive title was dashed by the River Hawks, 3-2. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
The River Hawks struck first with a first quarter goal and the Stags found themselves in a rare position, trailing in a game, but they would respond, as Johnson scored consecutive goals in the second period to produce a 2-1 halftime lead.
Despite having chances to perhaps produce a clinching goal, Cheverus couldn’t score again and clung to that margin in the fourth quarter when Skowhegan staggered the Stags with two goals in a 37-second span.
Cheverus had opportunities to answer, including a late penalty corner, but couldn’t rally and its season ended at 17-1 with a stunning 3-2 setback.
“Our girls played hard and played well and played as a team,” said Stags coach Theresa Arsenault. “I’m very proud of them and all they have done this season. Skowhegan was a great competition, exactly what you want to see when you reach that level. Their defense was a very strong unit and put a lot of pressure on our midfield and forwards. Our girls responded and kept the pressure on, but we weren’t able to get one more on the board.
“There is so much for these girls to be proud of this season. They came out strong right from the beginning really working together and recognizing the importance of teamwork and transition as a unit. We had a big focus on defense from our forward line to our backs and I think that helped to create trust and pressure on all areas of the field which led to having much success on the offensive part of our game. A big part of our success came from the effort, commitment and team camaraderie they built not just during organized practices but outside of them as well. As individuals and a team, they focused on the process to reach their highest potential. If the girls can keep that mindset it will continue to allow them to build as we head into 2023.”
The Stags graduate seven seniors, including McCartney, Tory and goalie Logan LeFevre, but Johnson returns, along with her sister, Lily Johnson, and several other talented young players who will look to return Cheverus to the pinnacle in 2023.
“All of our seniors have been great players and great leaders, so there is no doubt what they have given and taught their teammates will continue to show on the field next year. We will have a core of experienced upperclassmen next year mixed with eager, hardworking underclassmen. It should be a competitive group with field hockey skill and passion for the game.”
Press Herald staff writer Drew Bonifant contributed to this story.
Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.
Copy the Story LinkComments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
