Maranacook/Winthrop boys, girls lacrosse advance to semifinals
Maranacook/Winthrop Lacrosse Co‑op Dominates Region, Both Teams Post 20‑Goal Victories
Readfield, ME — In an improbable showcase of talent, the Maranacook/Winthrop co‑op sent both its boys’ and girls’ lacrosse squads to the state semifinals with a pair of blistering quarterfinal wins on Friday night. The boys’ team defeated Lincoln Academy’s Shorthanded Eagles 21‑0, while the girls’ Black Bears finished 22‑2 against the No. 8‑seeded Lincoln squad.
The two games, played in Readfield, highlighted the strength of a co‑op that has rarely seen both programs reach the upper echelons of the playoffs. The boys entered the quarterfinal as the third‑seeded Class C team with a 9‑6 record; the girls, undefeated at 15‑0, were the top seed in their bracket.
Boys’ Quarterfinal: A Shut‑out Thriller
The Shorthanded Eagles, the sixth seed in the tournament, found themselves on the losing end of a 21‑goal margin. Coach Daniel Brannigan of Lincoln admitted the surprise: “I didn’t know the Eagles were going to be down guys,” he said. “It sucks, I feel bad, especially some big guys that they have. But, play who they tell you to play, and the guys didn’t let up. And I just told them, I said, ‘Hey, just put it away and we’ll focus on the next round, but let’s get this one out of the way first.’”
The Hawks fell behind quickly. Within three minutes, the co‑op held a 4‑0 lead, thanks to seniors Ethan Chilton and Caleb Morgan, who each scored five goals in the first quarter. Junior Jacob Lyons added a hat‑trick and four assists, while Tristan Riley, another junior, collected 14 face‑offs, two goals and an assist. “We work great as a team, and when we click, we click,” Morgan said after the game.
Maranacook/Winthrop will face the No. 2 seed, Gardiner (10‑5), in the boys’ state semifinal on Wednesday.
Girls’ Quarterfinal: A Record‑Breaking Performance
The girls’ Black Bears, already a formidable force, opened the quarterfinal with an overwhelming 9‑0 advantage by the end of the first period. The team continued to dominate, finishing 22‑2. “Our girls play at one speed, and it’s 10 all the time,” coach Zach Stewart said. “It’s a game plan that works for us.”
The offense was led by seniors Alice Ferran, who netted six goals, and Mya St. Pierre, who had five goals and two assists. Junior Stella Stewart contributed six assists and one goal, emphasizing team chemistry: “It comes down to how we treat each other, how we respect each other, and not one person on our team lacks that.” Stewart himself added two goals and six assists to the tally.
This victory marked Ferran’s final game on the field, and she reflected on the significance of ending on a high note: “This being my last game on this field ever, just feels so nice to have ended off on such a great win going into the tournament.” Lincoln’s Ysabelle Bhe scored both of the Eagles’ goals in a 2‑point defeat.
The Black Bears will face the winner of Saturday’s quarterfinal between No. 4 Traip Academy (10‑5) and No. 5 Erskine Academy (9‑5) in the girls’ semifinal on Wednesday.
A Co‑op That Rides High
Both squads have enjoyed an exceptional season. While the boys’ 21‑0 rout demonstrated their defensive fortitude and offensive efficiency, the girls’ 22‑2 performance showcased depth and speed that left opponents scrambling. The Maranacook/Winthrop co‑op’s dual success is a testament to the program’s recruiting, coaching, and community support.
As the state tournament approaches, fans
