In just their second season of existence, the Penobscot Pioneers girls ice hockey team will once again be playing for the Class A North Regional Championship. The #2 Pios scored three first period goals on Saturday afternoon, and shutout #3 Brunswick 4-0 at the Colisee in Lewiston in a regional semifinal.
Izzy Brideau got the only goal needed in the game on an assist from Delaney Carr in that three goal first period. Paige Oakes made it 2-0 Penobscot on the powerplay, assisted by Jordin Williams. Anna Malloy rounded out the opening 15 minutes with an unassisted tally. Hannah Marsh finished the scoring with the second powerplay goal of the afternoon for the Pioneers (16-4) in the second. Abby Derosier did the rest in net, helping her team advance to a rematch of last seasons regional final with Yarmouth/Freeport that was won by the Clippers 3-1. Brunswick finished their season at 10-10.
Penobscot and Yarmouth/Freeport split this seasons regular season meetings, with Yarmouth taking the first matchup 6-5 on January 23 and the Pioneers returning the favor 4-1 a week later on January 30. The top ranked Clippers (16-4) won their semifinal on Saturday evening over Winslow/Gardiner/Cony/Lawrence/Mt. Blue co-op 7-1. The regional championship is set for Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn.
Story by Chris Lessner
