Ed. Note: For the complete Cape Elizabeth-Yarmouth and Scarborough-Westbrook field hockey and Scarborough-Greely volleyball game stories, with photos, please visit theforecaster.net)

The calendar has flipped to October and an already exciting fall sports season is about to get even more riveting. Local teams are jockeying for playoff positioning and showdowns will continue.

Here’s a glimpse:

Boys’ soccer

Scarborough’s defending Class A state champion boys’ soccer team has returned to form and was 6-1 and fourth in the Heal Points standings at press time after decisive wins over host Cheverus (3-0) and visiting Massabesic (8-0). Charlie Mader had two goals and Sam Cekada one against the Stags. In the win over the Mustangs, Jerry Kenney and Wyatt Omsberg both scored twice. The Red Storm had a big showdown at rival Gorham Thursday and plays at Deering Tuesday.

South Portland was 4-4 and ninth after a tough 3-2 loss at Deering (the winning goal came late) and a 5-0 triumph at Biddeford (Robert Graff had two goals). The Red Riots were home with Portland Thursday and welcome Cheverus Tuesday.

Cape Elizabeth fell to 2-3-2 and seventh in Western B after recent losses to visiting Yarmouth (1-0, in overtime) and host Kennebunk (3-0). The Capers hoped to bounce back Wednesday, when they hosted Falmouth. Cape Elizabeth goes to Yarmouth Saturday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and plays host to Kennebunk Tuesday.

Greater Portland Christian School was 5-3-1 and seventh in Western D after tying Jonesport-Beals (1-1), blanking Highview Christian (6-0) and falling to Chop Points (3-1). The Lions are at Islesboro Tuesday.

Girls’ soccer

On the girls’ side, Cape Elizabeth took a 6-1-1 mark and the No. 2 spot in the Western B Heals into a showdown at undefeated, three-time defending Class B champion Falmouth Wednesday night (see theforecaster.net for game story). The Capers settled for a 1-1 home tie with Yarmouth Friday, then won at home over Kennebunk, 5-0. Against the Clippers, Kate Breed tied the score (Kathryn Clark had the assist). In the win over the Rams, Lizzie Raftice scored twice, while Breed, Mariah Deschino and Sarah O’Connor all had one goal. Cape Elizabeth plays at Yarmouth Saturday (see theforecaster.net for game story) and goes to Kennebunk Tuesday.

In Western A, Scarborough increased its win streak to four after an 8-0 win at Noble and a 9-0 home triumph over McAuley. Hadlee Yescott had three goals and Ashley Gleason two against the Knights. In the win over the Lions, Yescott had five goals. After going to Massabesic Wednesday, the Red Storm (6-0-1 and third behind Falmouth and Windham in the Western A Heals) plays host to Gorham Monday and Deering Wednesday of next week (see the forecaster.net for both game stories).

South Portland was 0-7 and 18th at press time after losing at Windham (9-0) and at home to Deering (5-0). Goalkeeper Emma Russell stopped 17 shots in both games. The Red Riots were at Biddeford Wednesday, host Portland Friday and go to Cheverus Wednesday of next week.

In Western D, GPCS fell to 0-5 and eighth in the Heals after a 5-1 home loss to Highview Christian. The Lions were home with Vinalhaven Wednesday and go to Highview Christian Tuesday.

Field hockey

Scarborough’s field hockey team extended its regular season win streak to 32 games and its regular season unbeaten run to 42 after downing visiting Westbrook (2-0) and South Portland (10-0).

Against the Blue Blazes, Kristen Murray scored early and Maddy Dobecki added a late tally.

“It’s always important to get that first goal,” Murray said. “It helps build up momentum and breaks down momentum for the other team.”

“We have a ton of underclassmen who have stepped up,” Dobecki said. “They’ve filled spots. We’ve come along nicely. The program is successful, so new players strive to get to that level.”

“It’s a good group of girls,” added Red Storm coach Kerry Mariello. “We have a strong freshman class. We’re jelling very quickly, doing very well. We have a few great players who have definitely elevated players around them. The new players get game time and understand their roles and positions. They all want to be that person. It’s just been them working hard.”

Against the Red Riots, Murray had a hat trick and Dobecki, Maggie Carbin and Kristen Levesque all had two goals. Scarborough (9-0 and first in the Western A Heals) was at Biddeford Wednesday, hosts Bonny Eagle Friday and goes to McAuley Tuesday.

South Portland was blanked last week by visiting Thornton Academy (6-0) and host Scarborough (10-0), then ended a four-game skid Monday with a 3-1 home win over Noble (Kristina Salafia had two goals and Lydia Henderson the other). The Red Riots (2-7 and 15th in Western A) were at Westbrook Wednesday, welcome Biddeford Friday and play host to McAuley Thursday of next week.

In Western B, Cape Elizabeth was 8-2 and third behind York and Spruce Mountain in the Heals after narrow wins over visiting Yarmouth (1-0), host Lake Region (2-1, in OT) and visiting Kennebunk (1-0).

Against the Clippers, Taylor Herrera scored an early goal and the Capers held on.

“It wasn’t easy, but our team pulled it out in the end,” Herrera said. “I really didn’t think the lead would hold up. I thought we’d either get more goals or the score would be even and we’d pull it out in the end.”

“For me, it was very nervewracking,” Cape Elizabeth coach Darci Holland said. “We seem to have issues scoring right now. It’s kind of been that way all season. It’s something we need to work on. Unfortunately, we’re used to these games.” 

In the overtime win, Hannah Newhall scored in regulation and Herrera delivered the winner. Herrera also had the lone goal against the Rams.

The Capers had a showdown at Falmouth Thursday (see theforecaster.net for game story). Cape Elizabeth visits Fryeburg Monday, then hosts Greely Wednesday.

“We want to have our playoff games at home,” Herrera said. “We’re better on turf.”

Cross country

On the trails, Cape Elizabeth’s powerhouse boys’ cross country team went to the Manchester (N.H.) Invitational last weekend and placed fifth in the elite team division.

Liam Simpson was the top individual, finishing ninth in 16 minutes, 13 seconds.  Peter Doane came in 17th (16:35). Also scoring were Will Britton (41st, 17:07), Kyle Kennedy (44th, 17:09) and Mitch Morris (45th, 17:09).

“We looked at Manchester as an opportunity to measure our fitness against some of the top teams in New England,” said Capers coach Derek Veilleux. “We had a couple of focus points: to learn how to run the course (New Englands will be there) and to see where our fitness was in advance of the championship meets. I thought we ran well. The race gave the team a lot of confidence, and reinforced the hard work we have been putting in since June. (The guys) left the meet knowing they can run better as a team. Liam had a great day up front running a personal best. Peter returned to his 2012 form for the first time this fall, a huge mental breakthrough for him. Will and Kyle dealt with illness last week, both were less than 100 percent and Mitch ran very well in his first big invitational.”

The Cape Elizabeth girls joined Merriconeag and Poland at Gray. The Capers came in first, as Sam Feenstra (22:16), Rhoen Fiutak (22:17) and Dana Hatton (22:30) finished 1-2-3.

Scarborough joined Deering and Thornton Academy at Marshwood. The boys were first, as Colin Tardiff came in second individually (18:24). The girls were first as well. Laura Volan was runner-up individually in 23:26.

Results for South Portland’s meet at Sanford weren’t available.

Golf

Golf’s regular season comes to a close this week. Scarborough took a 7-2 mark into Thursday’s finale at Falmouth. South Portland was 2-7 entering its finale Thursday versus Deering. Cape Elizabeth wrapped up a perfect regular season last week.

Monday, Cape Elizabeth’s Lauren Schonewolf shot an 87 to qualify for the girls’ state match.

The Western Maine Conference team and individual qualifier is Monday. The Southwestern Maine Activities Association qualifier is also Monday.

The golf team state match is Oct. 12 with the individual championships Oct. 19.

Volleyball

Scarborough’s volleyball team made yet another powerful statement Tuesday evening with a first-ever win at two-time defending Class A champion Greely. The Red Storm was coming off a 3-0 home victory over Lake Region and a 3-0 win at South Portland. Scarborough then won, 3-0, at Greely, but it wasn’t easy.

The Red Storm got off to a hot start, riding seven aces to a 25-17 victory in the first set. The second game was up for grabs, tied at 20-20, 22-22 and 23-23, but Scarborough got the final two points and put itself on the brink of victory. Hopes of a triumph appeared if they’d be delayed when the Red Storm fell behind, 19-24, in the third set, but Scarborough pulled off an epic rally, fending off five game points before finally pulling it out, 30-28, to win the match, 3-0.

“We’ve never been pushed like that,” said Abby Mills, who had five kills and six aces. “We all came together and it was the best feeling ever. It was relief and exhilaration (when it was over). To beat them in their gym is incredible. Especially for the girls who lost to them at states our sophomore year, we’re so happy.”

“I don’t know if we were looking to make a statement, we just wanted to play them tough,” said Scarborough coach Jon Roberts. “The kids have waited a long time to win in this gym. To win in that fashion shows a lot about the character of our team. The girls are mentally tough. This is the first team I truly believe, no matter the score, they can come back. They believe in each other.”

Lauren Piper had 13 assists, Hallie Odonnell finished with 11, Mary Cleary added nine kills, Kayla Savage had five kills and six digs and Natalie Foster finished with five kills.

The Red Storm (8-0 and second to Greely in the Class A Heals) was at Kennebunk Thursday. Scarborough then has a showdown at undefeated Falmouth Tuesday.

“We just keep improving by leaps and bounds,” Mills said. “I think there are great things to come for us. We have two big games against Falmouth. We’re really excited about that.”

Cape Elizabeth bounced back from its lone loss with 3-0 wins at Biddeford (25-20, 25-21, 25-18) and Thornton Academy (25-7, 25-18, 25-21). The Capers (7-1 and sixth in Class A) hosted Cheverus Thursday and go to Lake Region Tuesday.

South Portland fell to 0-9 (and 15th in Class A) after recent losses at Cony (3-1), at home to Scarborough (3-0) and at home to Falmouth (3-1). The Red Riots go to NYA Tuesday and visit Yarmouth Thursday.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

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Scarborough junior Maddy Dobecki fires a shot during the Red Storm’s home win over Westbrook last week.

Scarborough senior Hallie Odonnell (8) and her teammates celebrate a point during Tuesday night’s 3-0 win at Greely.

Cape Elizabeth’s Sam Earnshaw runs toward a fifth-place finish at last weekend’s meet at Gray. The Capers came in third as a team.

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