At Howland, the Penobscot Valley defense once again played a big part in the outcome, holding Bangor Christian scoreless and recording their sixth shutout in eight games as they defeated the Patriots 4-0 in girls soccer action.
Howler’s eighth grader Lauryn Smart scored the only goal of the first half with 19 minutes left to play. As a defender tried clearing a corner kick attempt, Smart chipped it from the corner of the 18 yard line, and sailed over the goalies head and into the corner of the net. It was Smart’s second goal of the season, as her other one occurred at Bangor Christian two weeks ago. The score remained 1-0 at the half.
Nine minutes into the second half, PVHS struck again. This time it started with a cross off the foot of junior Holly Loring from the right corner. The high-arching ball went across the goal area, where senior Julia Durost trapped it out of the air, quickly got it to her feet, then put it past the recovering goalie.
Penobscot Valley scored again with 18 minutes remaining, as senior Ali Gilman converted a penalty kick attempt. Loring would get her second assist of the night with 12 minutes remaining, as she sent a low cross to eighth grader Lila Cummings, who finished the scoring opportunity.
Emilee Ireland stopped all three shots she faced for the 7-1 Howlers, who travel to Milo to play Penquis on Tuesday. Bangor Christian goalkeeper Leah Higgins saved 11 of 29 shots, as they drop to 1-8 and host Schenck on Wednesday.
