Cheverus field hockey takes command in win over Scarborough

Cheverus Stags Dominate Scarborough in 4‑0 Opening Game on New Turf

Portland, Maine – Cheverus High School’s varsity field‑hockey team opened the 2026 season with a decisive 4‑0 victory over the Scarborough Red Storm on Wednesday, September 9. The win was the Stags’ first official game on their newly installed turf field and marked the beginning of another impressive season, as the team extends its 19‑game winning streak and continues to hold an unbeaten record in 87 Class A South games.

A High‑Pressure Start

The Stags struck early, scoring on their opening corner when Ava Martin collected the rebound of a save on Sydney Brunelle’s shot with 9:21 remaining in the first quarter. Later in the period, Brooke Brunelle fired a long‑range shot that was tipped by Jaylee Radford and finished by Mary McCartney with 2:54 left in the quarter, giving Cheverus a 2‑0 lead.

“We wanted to set the tone with that first goal,” Martin said. “It pushes you more, and you get that momentum. It’s important to keep that pressure.”

Building Momentum

Cheverus expanded their advantage when Radford tipped a shot from Brunelle with 9:18 remaining in the third period, moving the score to 3‑0. Sydney Brunelle then secured the final goal by converting a rebound of her own shot with 12:09 left in the game.

The Stags’ offense was supported by a disciplined midfield that dominated play from the start. The reconfigured midfield quartet—Martin, the two Brunelles, and Liv Lundy—stifled Scarborough’s attacks and repeatedly pressured the Red Storm’s net. Cheverus generated 14 corners to Scarborough’s two, reflecting their control of possession and offensive dominance.

“We had a lot of possession and strength on the ball,” Brunelle noted. “Our pressure was on top today.”

Adjusting the Lineup

Cheverus entered the game with a new lineup after losing key positions. The team had to replace its starting goalie, entire defense, and the dominant midfielder Joey Pompeo, who had been named Varsity Maine Player of the Year. Despite these changes, the Stags’ coach Andrea Musante praised her players’ hard work and the team’s defensive progress.

“We definitely had big shoes to fill,” Musante said. “We’ve been working hard to make up for that and learn. I’m happy with the work they’ve been putting in.”

Scarborough’s Response

Scarborough’s coach Kyla Wigant reflected on her team’s efforts after the loss. “We need to be more aggressive,” she said. “I think we’re a little too composed. We just need to play feisty, find our hunger and go in for it.” She emphasized that early in the season they expect challenges: “It’s still early. We knew it was going to be a tough schedule. We’ve just got to fix these little things so we continue to jell throughout the entire field versus just in like little increments.”

Scarborough finished the game without scoring, dropping to 0‑3 on the season. Lila Durgin, the Red Storm’s goalkeeper, made several saves but was unable to halt the Stags’ relentless offense.

Looking Ahead

Cheverus is currently ranked first in the Varsity Maine field‑hockey poll, a testament to the program’s sustained excellence. The team’s 19‑game winning streak and undefeated streak in 87 Class A South games underscore a culture of consistency and resilience.

“We’re going to keep the momentum going,” coach Musante said. “We’re going to focus on the little things, keep the pressure on, and continue to build on what we’ve done.”

With a new turf field and a refreshed lineup, the Cheverus Stags are poised to defend their top ranking and extend their dominance in the coming weeks. The next opponent will test whether the Stags’ early season success was a fluke or the beginning of another championship‑winning campaign.