The Orono and Hermon High School girls soccer teams will be seeking their first state championships on Saturday, Ashland will look to defend its state title in a rematch with Richmond, and Bangor will try to win its first since 2011.
Class A
Bangor (14-1-2) vs. Gorham (14-3), 10 a.m., Fitzpatrick Stadium, Portland: The battle of the Rams will see a Bangor team playing in its fifth state championship game in six years against a Gorham team that last played in a state title game in 2008. Gorham won three consecutive state crowns from 2005-07. Bangor has surrendered just two goals in its three playoff wins and will try to neutralize Gorham, which erupted for a 4-0 win over Marshwood of Eliot in the South final behind goals from freshmen Emma Forgues, Brittany Desjardins and Hallie Shiers. Bangor has been led by freshman striker Libby Spekhardt (16 goals), senior Sarah Bragg (11) and junior Katie Butler (8). Megan Conner, Grace Morris and the speedy Maddi Cormier marshal the midfield, and sophomore Lauren Young helps senior Maeve Harrigan patrol the back line in front of senior goalie Emily Gilmore.
Class B
Hermon (15-0-2) vs. Greely (15-2), 3 p.m., Portland: The Hawks last played in a state game in 2012, losing to Falmouth 2-1.
“It’s going to be a battle between two very good teams,” said Hermon coach M.J. Ball. “You’re going to have two organized teams trying to break each other down.”
Alex Allain has 26 goals and 16 assists for the Hawks, and Bri Saulter has contributed 18 goals and 20 assists, including six playoff goals. Senior Morgan Buck and junior Emi Higgins have been solid defensively and have helped senior goalkeeper Bryanne Crouse post two postseason shutouts. Greely of Cumberland Center hasn’t played in a state final since 2003. But the Rangers, regional runners-up the past two years, posted an impressive 5-1 win over York in the South final behind dynamic striker Izzy Hutnak’s two postseason hat tricks.
Class C
Orono (15-1-1) vs. Waynflete (13-4), 10 a.m., Dr. Gehrig T. Johnson Complex, Presque Isle: Orono hasn’t allowed a goal in its postseason run and will be looking to avenge a 3-2 overtime loss to Waynflete in the 2013 championship game. The Red Riots have been paced by Norwegian exchange student Aashild Fridtun, Becky Lopez-Anido and midfielder Brinsley Chasse, who have combined to score over 40 goals. Lizzie White has been an important cog in the midfield with seniors Jordan Hernandez and Lauren Stoops headlining the defense.
Waynflete will be looking for its fourth state title in eight years and has been led by Arianna Giguere and goalie Ali Pope.
Class D
Ashland (17-0) vs. Richmond (15-1), 3 p.m., Presque Isle: Ashland won last year’s title game 2-1 in overtime on a Mackenzie Carter goal.
“Both teams are outstanding defensively. It will come down to which one wilts first,” said Ashland coach Peter Belskis.
This will be Richmond’s sixth straight state title game appearance. Carter and Savannah Flint have each scored 38 goals and Caitlin Paradis has 26 for Ashland. Cassidy Pelletier, Micayla Driscoll, Laura Sturgeon and Chelsea Vaillancourt comprise an impressive and veteran back line while Richmond has been sparked by highly-skilled Kelsea Anair, Meranda Martin and Autumn Acord. Anair’s 104 career goals are tied for the school record.