In Howland Tuesday, a short-handed PVHS girls soccer team kept the powerful Bucksport Lady Bucks out of the net long enough to set up a wild finish in overtime as they claimed the 1-0 victory.
The Lady Howlers came into the contest with three of their opening day starters not in uniform, as well as their top reserve defender. With a strong wind at their backs, the game was controlled early by Bucksport, outshooting Penobscot Valley 11-2 in the frame. PVHS goalkeeper Brooklynn Raymond made some phenomenal saves against a potent offense to keep it knotted up at 0-0. The second half still saw the Lady Bucks outshoot the home team, but the rate of possession was much more even. After 80 minutes the game remained scoreless.
Just under two minutes into the overtime, and after being surrounded by Bucksport players all game, senior standout Lila Cummings finally got some space in the middle of the field. She started an attack, courtesy of a Rylee Moulton drop pass. As Cummings scanned the field and drew defenders, Moulton streaked up the middle toward the goal. Cummings laid out a beautiful airborne ball that ended inside the 18 with Bucksport goalie Addison Fitch, a defender, and Moulton all seemingly an equal distance away from it. Moulton turned up the speed and touched the ball first, sending it over Fitch and into the goal for the game winner while also sending herself into a somersault onto the pitch in trying to avoid the oncoming keeper.
Penobscot Valley improved to 9-2 on the season, and has seven days off before hosting Central Aroostook next Wednesday for Senior Recognition Night. Raymond was superb in net, saving 17 of 19 shots, including a near point blank one in overtime. Bucksport suffered only their second defeat of the season, dropping to 7-2-1. Fitch saved 7 of 10 shots, as they will host Orono in their next game on Thursday.
PVHS photos by Leine McKechnie top to bottom- Lila Cummings, goalkeeper Brooklynn Raymond, and Rylee Moulton
