By Meridith Paterson
Staff Writer
ASHLAND – The Lady Hornets have kept a strong record through their regular season at 9-0-2, and plan to continue into the playoffs. The dedication of the 2007 season to teammate Mindy Long, who would have played as captain this year, has inspired extra focus in the girls.
Contributed photo
JADE TILLEY of the Lady Hornets dribbles past a Southern Aroostook defender in a recent game
“It is the goal of the team to do all that it can to bring a title home to Ashland … with a little bit of luck and continued hard work,” said coach Peter Belskis.
Some of the girls wear black armbands to remember their friend and classmate, and keep her alive in their memory as they play. Long and her sisters were killed last year in a tragic car accident.
Under the leadership of their three senior captains Whitney Flint, Jacky Raymond and Mindy Chasse and Belskis’ 36 years of coaching experience the girls have kept to their goals for the commencement of their match-ups. Despite a younger defense, lead by sophomore goalie Taylor Baker, the Lady Hornets have let just five goals through this far.
“I see the team as more mature,” said Belskis. “We only graduated one senior and gained a year of experience. The nine-game summer program was very fruitful.”
Starting fullbacks include sophomore Jade Tilley, junior Autumn Condon and senior Chasse. Freshmen Rylee Graham starts at sweeper back. Sophomore Macie Pelkey and junior Suzanne Poulin start at halfback position. Junior Crystal Cook and seniors Raymond and Flint play in the forward position.
“Raymond and Flint have combined for 21 of the team’s 35 goals so far this year, while Mindy Chasse has anchored a stingy defense,” commented Belskis.
“This Hornet team has better over-all team speed and skill, not seen in recent years, which bodes well for the Hornets,” said Belskis.
Freshmen Whitney Donovan; sophomore Elana Renaga and juniors Jessica Holmes, Miranda Donovan, Debbie Beckler, Courtney Deabay, and Jackie D’Ozier sub.
Belskis believes Washburn and Bangor Christian will give the girls their biggest competition to get to their goal of bringing home a title this season.
