Waynflete’s storied girls’ lacrosse program has never missed out on the postseason. Thursday, the duo of Lydia Birknes and Tilsley Kelly helped ensure that the playoff streak will likely continue.

Kelly scored six goals and Birknes added four to account for all of the Flyers’ offense as they beat Class A Gorham, 10-7. Waynflete improved to 2-7 and earned a bundle of Heal points, jumping into the middle of the pack in Class C.

“We really need this,” said Kelly, “This win showed us what’s working. Everything pieced together today.”

Waynflete dropped close contests to Class A foes Portland and Scarborough earlier in the season, as well as a two-goal decision to Wells, a Class C finalist a year ago. The Flyers had started slowly in recent games, so when Kelly opened the scoring 39 seconds into the contest, then Birknes scored off the ensuing draw, Waynflete got a big confidence boost.

“We talked about (a fast start) because it’s hard to catch up when we fall behind early,” said longtime Flyers Coach Cathie Connors. “That gave us more confidence.”

Gorham (5-4) got on the board with a free-position goal from Kaityln Nichols. The Rams eventually pulled even by halftime, 4-4, thanks to two goals from Miranda Chasse.

The Flyers struggled keeping possession in the first half, as they committed seven turnovers, but they took better care of the ball after the break.

After Kelly started the second half with a goal, consecutive strikes from Natalie Miner gave Gorham its first lead of the game.

Then Kelly answered with three straight unassisted goals in just over three minutes, the first from long distance, the second from an impossible angle, and the third through traffic.

“I like to score from really far out and hope for the best, and sometimes the best happens,” Kelly said. “Sometimes it’s hit or miss, and today it was a hit.”

“Tilsley is amazing,” Connors added. “She’s the most humble kid, but she works hard and shoots after practice. Lydia’s just as determined, and she’s competitive.”

Birknes added to the lead with a free-position goal.

The Rams pulled within 9-7 on an Ellie Gay goal with 8:44 remaining, but Waynflete goalie Pippa Huffard (five saves) didn’t allow anything after that. Birknes helped with two late interceptions before scoring the final goal with 2:04 to play.

“I think our defense really came together,” said Birknes. “The energy was up. For me, playing defense is the most satisfying part.

“The girls knew this game was big for us and we had to win to make playoffs,” Connors added.

Gorham got two goals apiece from Chasse and Miner. Gay, Nichols and Giselle Doucette added goal apiece. Elizabeth Keil stopped six shots.

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