A running talking point throughout the 2023 summer sessions, preseason, and regular season revolved around the last PVHS girls soccer championship in 1986. With a school so rich in soccer tradition, thirty-seven years seemed way overdue to repeat that elusive feat. The team at times used it as a rallying cry, serving up reminders as to what their top goal of winning a state championship was, by having a number “86” team goalie jersey, and routinely doing a drill aptly named “the 86 drill”.
Saturday at a cold Messalonskee Field in Oakland, PVHS was finally able to break the drought. Playing against Saint Dominic Academy, the two teams were locked into a defensive battle that had Penobscot Valley come out ahead 1-0.
The only goal started with a St. Dom’s attack on the other end with under seven minutes left before the half. A thru-ball attempt ended up at the feet of senior defensive standout Emma Potter, who controlled the ball toward the outside and immediately began a counter-attack. Potter sent a pass up the line to Ellie Austin, who made a great move to get separation up the sideline. Austin continued her attack inside the 18 yard line, drawing keeper Anna Theriault off her line. A beautiful pass by Austin across the six yard line went directly to senior reserve Brooke Champion, who one-touched the ball with her left foot into the back of the net. PVHS was able to keep the Saints off the board, giving freshman goalie Brooklynn Raymond and the Lady Howlers defense its 12th shutout of the season.
The 2023 Class D girls soccer state champion Penobscot Valley High School Howlers. Photos courtesy of Feldmus Photography
