YARMOUTH, Maine — The Gardiner Tigers made their first season in the Class B ranks an undefeated one with a 2-0 win over York to start a state-title tripleheader in field hockey at the Yarmouth Community Athletic Complex Saturday.
Later on, the Scarborough Red Storm needed overtime to end Skowhegan’s state championship streak at eight straight with a 2-1 victory.
Class A — The game-winning goal was a disputed one after Scarborough’s Heather Carrier whacked a long shot from well beyond the circle with 4:44 left in overtime.
Goals can’t be scored on shots from beyond the circle that go directly into the cage.
Referees ruled that the shot, which was never touched by any Skowhegan player before winding up in the back of the goal, was partially deflected by Scarborough teammate Ellie Morin and therefore a goal.
Skowhegan players and coaches looked on in disbelief.
“The ball wasn’t in the circle. It’s as simple as that. No one touched the ball in the circle,” said Skowhegan coach Paula Doughty. “We allowed the ball to go in, but the rule is if the ball’s hit outside the circle and no one touches it, it’s not a goal. No one touched that ball.”
As Skowhegan coaches, players and fans protested, Scarborough’s contingent erupted in celebration.
“From my view, she actually tipped it and I was just hoping the ref would see it,” said Carrier. “She did and we finally have a win in this game.”
The end was as euphoric for the Red Storm as it was shocking to the Indians.
“We have 12 seniors and we’ve wanted this so bad ever since losing to them last year,” said Carrier. “It’s such a great way for us to finish up. This is the best we’ve ever done.”
Scarborough finished the season 18-0 while Skowhegan, which hadn’t lost a state final since 1999 and is 11-4 in state finals overall, wound up 17-1.
“I thought it was a good game… Back and forth, exciting, even,” Doughty said. “The way we lost was difficult.”
Mallory Hancock scored off a two-shot flurry in front of the goal off a clear-in pass from Rebecca Pratt to give the Indians a 1-0 lead with 26:41 left in the second half, but Scarborough tied it with 5:27 to play on a charge up the middle and unassisted shot by Brittany Ross.
Jordi Saunders made three saves on five shots for Scarborough and Megan Hancock saved eight of 10 for Skowhegan.
Class B — Marissa Lawrence assisted on both goals and junior goalie Alie Beaulieau saved all four shots she faced to lead the 19-0 Tigers to their first state title since 1987.
The first goal came with 26:04 left in the second half from senior midfielder and captain Katie Schide. The second came from senior forward and captain Kashley Weymouth with 9:34 to go.
Amanda Kasbohm came up with seven saves on nine shots for the 16-2 Wildcats.