Foxcroft ends Dexter’s field hockey winning streak, 1-0, in OT

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer
    DEXTER — For the Foxcroft Academy Ponies, the third time was a charm.
    Two shots went into the Dexter cage during regulation time at Monday’s Class C East field hockey contest, but both were disallowed.
    But the third one by Avery Carroll with 4:43 left in overtime was right on the money. Carroll drilled a short pass from Julia Annis into the cage for a 1-0 victory despite a strong effort by Dexter goalie Kaitlyn Paquin.
    Paquin had five saves on eight shots for the 13-1 Tigers while Foxcroft Academy goalie Madison Chadbourne was credited with three saves on five shots.
    Foxcroft Academy not only ended Dexter’s 12-game winning streak, but avenged their only defeat of the year at the hands of the Tigers in September.

    “The girls executed the game plan well,” said Foxcroft Academy coach Stephanie Smith. “They marked their (Dexter’s) top players well and worked as a team. We certainly had some shooting opportunities. One shot was called back because it was in and out of the circle and one hit a defensive stick instead of an offensive stick.”
    Smith said she told her team during the break between regulation and overtime to keep control of the ball and be aggressive. “I told Avery Carroll that anytime she had an opportunity to take a shot, do it,” Smith said. “Lo and behold, she took advantage and came through.”
    “I thought my defense played well, but my offense didn’t,” said Dexter coach Margaret Veazie. “This reminded me of the Lincoln (Mattanawcook Academy) game. They were very tough, but we won that one at the last second, 2-1. Foxcroft Academy played very well today.”
    Smith also praised Dexter’s efforts. “They have some very talented players,” said Smith, “and our defense did an excellent job to contain them.”
    After Monday night’s game, Dexter remained No. 2 in Eastern Maine Class C and Foxcroft Academy moved up to third place. Winslow, the No. 1 seed, is now the only undefeated team in the division
    Foxcroft Academy hosted Old Town on Tuesday for their regular-season finale.

Observer photo/Mike Lange
    DEXTER DEFENSE — Abbi Bourget (2) of Foxcroft Academy nearly scored a goal in the first period, but was stopped by the Dexter defense on this play. Foxcroft snapped Dexter’s 12-game winning streak with a 1-0 overtime victory.

Observer photo/Mike Lange
    PONY ON THE RUN — Fern Morrison (8) of Foxcroft Academy heads downfield with Dexter’s Grace Belanger (4) in hot pursuit. Foxcroft defeated Dexter in overtime, 1-0.

Observer photo/Mike Lange
    IT’S A STRETCH — Madison Fadley of Foxcroft Academy, left, fights for possession with Dexter’s Abigail Webber in Monday’s Class C East contest at Dexter.

Observer photo/Mike Lange
    TIGER TOUCH — Morgan Gray (7) of Dexter takes control with teammate Peyton Watson (16) and Foxcroft Academy’s Abby Simmons (21) also getting into the action.