The PVHS Howlers girls soccer team has seen their share of success putting the ball in the back of the net in recent years. They scored 101 goals on their way to a state championship appearance a year ago, and have tallied 78 this year. An aspect of their team that often gets overlooked throughout the scoring frenzy is their stingy defense.
That tough defense was on display again Thursday evening, where PVHS defeated visiting Hodgdon 2-0 in a game played in Old Town at Victory Field due to field conditions in Howland. After allowing only six regular season goals last season, they’ve given up that same amount this year with only one game left to play. In the process, they’ve notched their 5th straight shutout and eighth of the season with Thursday’s opponent having never been held scoreless all year up to this point.
Penobscot Valley was able to get on the board early, when they took the lead with just over four minutes into the contest. A long drive at net from senior holding-midfielder and captain Mia Neal caused goalkeeper Tori Gilman to come off the line. While trying to corral it in traffic, the ball dropped to the ground where Ellie Austin got a foot on it and sent it into the empty net. The only other scoring occurred with about 13 minutes before the half, when the Lady Howlers were awarded a corner kick. Senior captain Emma Potter sent a low hard liner toward the near post where teammate Savannah Durost was streaking. A defender got a leg on the ball trying to clear it, but it instead found the corner of the net as Potter was credited with the score. The second half saw both teams held scoreless.
Freshman keeper Brooklynn Raymond stopped three of five shots that came her way, as PVHS improved to 13-0 on the year. They will likely finish in one of the top two spots in Class D North heading into the playoffs, and will wrap up their regular season at Narraguagus on Saturday.
Gilman saved 9 of 14 for Hodgdon, who now sit at 8-5 and will host Ashland on Monday in their regular season finale.
Freshman keeper Brooklynn Raymond (16) scans the field during a game earlier this season. Photo courtesy of Feldmus Photography
