Mt. Ararat moves up in Varsity Maine field hockey poll after big win
Mt. Ararat’s 4‑1 win over Skowhegan propels Eagles to second spot in the Varsity Maine field‑hockey poll
The 2026 high‑school field‑hockey season saw a significant shift in the top rankings after Mt. Ararat stunned Skowhegan with a 4‑1 victory on Monday, October 12. The result moved the Eagles up to second place in the Varsity Maine poll, while Skowhegan slipped to fourth. Cheverus remains the league’s top team, but the standings are now more fluid than they were for the first half of the season.
A decisive performance in Skowhegan
Mt. Ararat’s win was marked by a strong offensive showing and solid defense. The Eagles scored early and never looked back, converting four goals while limiting Skowhegan to a single score. Key moments included a spectacular save by Skowhegan’s goalie, Michelle Williams, after a powerful kick‑off attempt. The rebound was quickly turned into a goal by Ararat’s Cali LeClair, setting the tone for the rest of the match. The final score, 4‑1, underscored Ararat’s growing momentum in the conference.
Poll implications
The Varsity Maine poll, which ranks the top ten teams based on games played up to Tuesday, October 13, reflected the impact of this game:
- Cheverus – 90 points (9 first‑place votes)
- Mt. Ararat – 78 points
- Biddeford – 74 points
- Skowhegan – 61 points
- Yarmouth – 55 points
- Leavitt – 31 points
- Camden Hills – 21 points
- Greely – 20 points (tied)
- Nokomis – 20 points (tied)
- Sanford/Kennebunk – 19 points
Other schools received votes, with Belfast (12), Foxcroft Academy (8), Thornton Academy (5), and Winthrop/Maranacook (1) earning recognition.
The poll had remained unchanged since the first ranking, with the top four teams (Cheverus, Biddeford, Skowhegan, and Mt. Ararat) occupying the same positions. Ararat’s surge to second place reflects their recent performance and the narrow margin separating the top teams.
Games that could reshape the standings
The upcoming matchups promise further movement in the rankings:
- Cheverus vs. Biddeford – The Stags will host the No. 1 team on Wednesday, a game postponed from Tuesday due to rain. The outcome could reinforce Cheverus’s dominance or open the door for Biddeford.
- Biddeford vs. Sanford/Kennebunk – Biddeford’s remaining game against the third‑ranked Class A South team may keep them firmly in the top three, or give Sanford/Kennebunk a chance to climb.
- Yarmouth vs. Greely and Freeport – The fifth‑ranked Yarmouth must prove its resilience against the eighth‑ranked Greely and Freeport, whose losses have already impacted several top‑ten teams.
- Camden Hills vs. Ararat and Skowhegan – The No. 7 Camden Hills team has an opportunity to argue for a top‑five spot by taking wins against both Ararat and Skowhegan.
- Nokomis – Re‑entering the poll at the bottom of the top ten, Nokomis’ upcoming games will determine whether they can rise above their current position.
Looking ahead
The next few weeks will be pivotal for all teams involved. With Cheverus holding a substantial lead but still facing a tough game against Biddeford, the balance of power in the league remains delicate. Mt. Ararat’s recent victory demonstrates their capacity to challenge the top teams, and the Eagles will look to maintain momentum in their next outing.
For fans and players alike, the shift in the Varsity Maine poll underscores the competitive nature of the season and the potential for surprise outcomes as teams vie for regional supremacy. As each game unfolds, the rankings will continue to evolve, keeping the field‑hockey community on its toes.
