BIDDEFORD — The Biddeford field hockey team has had an exceptional 2018 season. From having their first undefeated regular season in the school’s history to beating Cheverus for the first time in nine years to winning regionals, it has been an incredible run for the Tigers — but they aren’t done yet.
On Saturday, The Tigers will compete for the Class A state championship against perennial powerhouse Skowhegan. The game will be played at 3 p.m. at Deering High School.
“To me it feels like a dream come true because these girls have worked so hard. There’s no better way to end the season then with a state championship game,” said Biddeford head coach Caitlin Albert.
Senior goalie Taylor Wildes agreed with her coach.
“Us (senior captains) have been playing together since we were in fourth grade and this is something we’ve always dreamed about. To know that Saturday we’re going to be able to play for something that we’ve been dreaming about since we were little, it’s awesome,” said Wildes.
There’s no argument on which school has the best field hockey program in the state. Skowhegan has won a record 18 state championships, including 15 of the last 18, and they have made 18 straight trips to the Class A title game.

“We know that Skowhegan is a really good team. They’ve been (at states) 18 times, I’m not even 18 years old so that’s insane, but I have full confidence in my team and our coaches,” said Wildes.
Albert is not concerned with Skowhegan’s prior accolades.
“We’re just going to go into it clear-minded, where we know that it’s anyone’s game. We’re going to try not to remind ourselves that Skowhegan has been there 18 times in a row. It’s going to be the team that works the hardest and wants it the most,” said Albert. “Everything that they’ve worked so hard for will all be put to the test but I think we’re going to go give them a good game and work our butts off and have fun.”
Albert is expecting a lot of big plays from her players during Saturday’s contest.
“A lot of people have been stepping up. We’re expecting a lot from our senior leaders. Taylor Wildes has been killing it. I think she’s had 11 shutouts in 18 games. She’s been a wall back there. Paige Laverriere, in the midfield. Abby Allen, in the midfield,” said Albert. “Megan Mourmouras will be filling in for Hailey Allen, she does really well back there — she’s able to see the whole field. Brooklyn Goff, with her speed. Maddy Dineen is playing big, she’s a sophomore. Cori Cote leads our defense.”
The Tigers are confident that the stage won’t be too big for them.
“We will play our game. We’re going to bring it. There’s no doubt about it,” said Laverriere.
Senior captain Hailey Allen echoed her teammates sentiment.
“We’re going to go in confident not cocky because there’s a huge difference between the two. It’s going to be a good fight,” said Hailey Allen, who was injured in the regional semifinals.
The Biddeford players attribute their success to their coaches and community.
“We wouldn’t be here without our coaches. They definitely pushed us and got us in the weight room,” said Laverriere.
“Our community throughout our season has really come together. From our freshmen year to now, we have a lot more fans. It’s really great to actually see people in the stands,” said Wildes.
No matter the outcome of Saturday’s game, the players have created memories during the 2018 season that they will cherish forever.
“These girls are like a family. They’ve grown so much together,” said Albert. “They celebrate all of the little things which is something you can’t teach. They’re just happy and fortunate. There’s lots of these little inside jokes which they’ll look back in 20 years and this will be one of the best times of their lives, I hope.”
— Sports Writer Sienna Barstow can be reached at sbarstow@journaltribune.com or at 780-9018. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @JournalTsports.

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