Boothbay got a sneak peak at the top competition in next week’s tournament as the only undefeated and top ranked team, Winslow, visited Boothbay Harbor May 29 in Class C schoolgirl lacrosse action. Winslow scored three times in the game’s first three minutes and 14 seconds en route to a 15-12 victory over the Seahawks. Winslow finishes the regular season with a 12-0 record, which includes a 15-0 victory over Class A Bangor. Boothbay (5-6) concludes the season at home on Friday, May 31, Senior Night, at 6:30 p.m. with a game against Class B No. 6 Hall-Dale/Gardiner (7-3). Despite the loss, Boothbay is likely to avoid a preliminary round game and play Class No. 2 Erskine next week.

After Winslow’s early scoring barrage, Boothbay played the Black Raiders even for the rest of the contest. Boothbay trimmed the lead to 3-2 on consecutive goals by Cortney Meader, but the Lady Seahawks couldn’t close the gap any further. Entering the game, Boothbay faced two major disadvantages. One was its roster size. Boothbay had 12 players which meant there were no substitutes. Field condition also played a factor. Rain delayed the game’s original date on May 28 and Sherman Field is extremely soft and spongy after a seemingly endless spring of showers.

“Overall, I think we played a good game,” said Coach Bill Goldenberg. “I think the field really slowed us down and tired us out, but the girls enjoyed the challenge of playing them. It showed how much we’ve improved since the season’s beginning.”

The early 3-0 deficit didn’t worry senior defender Hannah Cola. Several times this season, Boothbay began games allowing multiple early goals only to see the defense tighten up and offense rally. “It didn’t bother me. We’re a second half team so I figured we’d make a comeback,” Cola said.

What worried Cola was Winslow’s aggressive play. She was frustrated with the Black Raiders’ “physicality.”  “It wasn’t lacrosse out there. It was too physical and it was like they were out to kill us with their aggression. Also, I didn’t think we were ready to play, and that’s why we fell behind early,” she said. 

Despite the loss, Cola thinks Boothbay matches up well with Class C’s top team. “Our team is filled with a lot of talented stick handlers who are among the best in the league. We’re also fast and the soft field slowed us down and tired us out more,” she said. 

Boothbay’s leading scorer was Reagan Cola with five goals. Other Seahawk scorers were Meader with four, Chloe Arsenault with two goals and two assists and Hali Goodwin, who scored once. For Winslow, the game marked a milestone for senior Savannah Joler who scored four times, including her 100th career goal. 

On defense, goalie Alexis Davison recorded 20 saves on 31 shots.