Falmouth sophomore goalie Hannah Dubinsky is hugged by junior Caitlyn Camelio as the rest of the Yachtsmen join in the celebration following Saturday’s 8-7 home win over Waynflete.
Mike Strout photos.
More photos below.
BOX SCORE
Falmouth 8 Waynflete 7
W- 3 4- 7
F- 3 5- 8
First half
17:25 W Burdick (Stockford)
15:30 F Smithwick (Camelio)
15:04 F Sarazin (free position)
9:22 F Clement (unassisted)
8:34 W Stockford (Burdick)
5:53 W Stockford (Olney)
Second half
23:40 F Camelio (unassisted)
19:23 W Stockford (free position)
16:33 W Baginski (free position)
15:32 W Olney (free position)
13:08 F Camelio (unassisted)
10:52 W Stockford (Burdick)
10:36 F Smithwick (Sarazin)
10:13 F Camelio (unassisted)
4:42 F Smithwick (free position)
Goals:
W- Stockford 4, Baginski, Burdick, Olney 1
F- Camelio, Smithwick 3, Clement, Sarazin 1
Assists:
W- Burdick 2, Olney, Stockford 1
F- Camelio, Sarazin 1
Draws (Falmouth, 11-6)
W- Olney 5 of 10, Baginski 1 of 3, Sangster 0 of 3, Stockford 0 of 1
F- Sarazin 11 of 17
Ground balls:
W- 23
F- 43
Turnovers:
W- 23
F- 18
Shots on goal:
W- 11
F- 28
Shots on cage:
W- 9
F- 16
Saves:
W (Akers) 8
F (Dubinsky) 2
FALMOUTH—Chelsey Smithwick is the only senior on the Falmouth girls’ lacrosse team.
And Saturday evening, in the rain, against visiting Waynflete, Smithwick embraced her role as veteran leader and as a result, the Yachtsmen escaped with a crucial victory.
Falmouth, which lost at Waynflete a year ago, had its hands full again with the Flyers, who lost by 10 goals to Cape Elizabeth just four days prior.
After Waynflete sophomore goalie Avis Akers made a series of big saves early, the Flyers got the jump, as their dynamic senior tandem of Ya Stockford to Izzy Burdick produced the game’s first goal.
The Yachtsmen then got going offensively, as Smithwick scored for the first time, junior Kayla Sarazin scored on a free position and freshman Eva Clement also tickled the twine for a 3-1 advantage.
Back came Waynflete, as Stockford scored twice, and the game went to the half deadlocked, 3-3.
There wasn’t much separation in the second half either and Falmouth had to dig deep to avoid defeat.
Junior Caitlyn Camelio opened the half with an unassisted goal, but free position shots from Stockford, senior Laura Baginski and Olney produced a 6-4 Flyers’ lead.
Camelio got a goal back, but with 10:52 on the clock, Stockford scored for the fourth time and a season-defining victory appeared imminent.
Instead, the Yachtsmen saved their best for last.
Just 16 seconds later, Smithwick scored to turn momentum and with 10:13 on the clock, Camelio tried to throw the ball in front, but it somehow eluded everyone, including Akers, to tie the score.
Then, with 4:42 left, Smithwick buried a free position to put Falmouth on top for good and the Yachtsmen defense and sophomore goalie Hannah Dubinsky held on from there and Falmouth prevailed, 8-7.
Smithwick and Camelio each had three goals as the Yachtsmen beat the Flyers in Falmouth for just the third time ever, improved to 8-2 and in the process, dropped Waynflete to 5-3 on the year.
“We worked together,” said Smithwick, the third of three sisters to make a mark on the Yachtsmen program. “We made some mistakes, but we pulled together and it paid off. We just kept our cool.”
Surging
Falmouth entered the season as the favorite in its first season in Class A North and hasn’t disappointed.
The Yachtsmen opened with an 11-8 home victory over Biddeford, then fell at two-time defending Class B champion Kennebunk, 10-3. After downing visiting Messalonskee, 15-11, host Marshwood (10-6) and visiting Windham (13-3), Falmouth gave defending Class A champion Massabesic a scare before losing, 11-9, but the Yachtsmen haven’t lost since, defeating host Scarborough (13-6) and Lewiston (5-3) and visiting Cheverus (14-9).
Waynflete won its first three games, 8-7 (in overtime) at York, 9-3 over visiting Cheverus and 6-5 at Scarborough. After falling at Greely, 7-5, the Flyers bounced back with a 10-5 home win over Marshwood. After a 16-6 home loss to Cape Elizabeth Tuesday, Waynflete handled visiting Wells in a makeup game Thursday, 15-2.
A year ago, the host Flyers held on for an 8-7 home win over the Yachtsmen for their signature victory of the season. That gave Waynflete a 18-5 all-time edge in the series (see sidebar, below).
Saturday, Falmouth shook off the uncomfortable conditions (50 degrees and rain throughout) and beat the Flyers for the fifth time in six meetings.
But it sure wasn’t easy.
The Yachtsmen started peppering Akers early, but she was up to the challenge, denying shots from sophomore Emily Hamilton, junior Jo Stucker and Camelio.
Waynflete struggled transitioning the ball all day, but after finally keeping possession, in transition, Stockford passed to Burdick, who fired a shot past Dubinsky for a 1-0 lead with 17:25 to play in the first half.
Falmouth answered with 15:30 on the clock, as Camelio, with her unrivaled speed, raced into the attacking zone and set up Smithwick.
Sarazin won the ensuing draw and 26 seconds later, earned a free position, which she fired past Akers for a 2-1 advantage.
After Dubinsky saved a free position shot by Olney, Clement gave the Yachtsmen a 3-1 advantage with an unassisted goal with 9:22 on the clock.
Longtime Flyers coach Cathie Connors called timeout and her team answered.
With 8:34 remaining before halftime, Stockford scored for the first time, from Burdick.
After Akers saved a free position from Camelio, Stockford scored again, taking a pass from Olney and launching a shot through traffic that found the net, tying the score, 3-3, with 5:53 to go.
Late in the half, Smithwick was high on a free position and Olney shot wide on a free position, sending the game to halftime still deadlocked.
In the first 25 minutes, the Yachtsmen had a 20-12 advantage in ground balls, forced 14 turnovers and enjoyed a 16-5 edge in shots, but due to six key Akers saves, the hosts didn’t hold the lead.
They managed to go ahead 80 seconds into the second half, when Camelio scored unassisted, but with 19:23 remaining in regulation, Stockford scored her third goal, on a free position to tie the score.
After Akers denied a Sarazin free position at one end, Waynflete took the lead with 16:33 to play, as Baginski finished a free position.
Then, with 15:32 on the clock, Olney’s free position gave the Flyers a 6-4 advantage and forced Falmouth first-year coach Ashley Pullen to call timeout.
It had the desired effect, as Sarazin won the draw and with 13:08 remaining, Camelio scored unassisted to cut the deficit to 6-5.
Connors called timeout and again, the Flyers answered, as Burdick got the ball to Stockford, who somehow fired a rocket through traffic and past Dubinsky with 10:52 to play, extending the lead to two once again, 7-5.
Waynflete couldn’t get the ball back and milk the clock, however, as Sarazin won possession and after taking the ball behind the cage, Sarazin fed Smithwick in front for a shot that Akers couldn’t stop, cutting the deficit to 7-6 with 10:36 to go.
“We went back out hungry and stayed poised and in control,” Smithwick said. “We just had to maintain possession.”
“I told the girls they needed to come out and play with poise and play with confidence,” Pullen said. “I didn’t want them to panic or force anything and they responded. They were smarter about holding on to the ball, smarter about feeds and shots. They were a teeny bit more disciplined on defense.”
Sarazin won the ensuing draw as well and 23 seconds later, Camelio had the ball up top and her pass didn’t connect, but in the fray, Akers didn’t see the ball and it wound up in the goal to improbably tie it, 7-7.
After Camelio hit the post on a free position, Akers robbed Sarazin, but the Yachtsmen stayed with it and with 4:42 to play, Smithwick earned a free position opportunity and she beat Akers for an 8-7 advantage.
“I tried to remain calm and composed and I shot and it worked out for me,” Smithwick said.
“Chelsey has years of experience with Falmouth lacrosse and the girls really look at her as the leader,” Pullen said. “She sets the tone. She’s out there being my voice.”
Olney managed to win the ensuing draw and with 3:12 left, Olney earned a free position, but Dubinsky made the save.
Olney was shaken up on the play and had to leave the game.
Falmouth then tried to run out the clock, but with 40 seconds to play, Burdick forced a turnover.
Freshman Kilee Sherry then looked to play the improbable hero, racing in and firing a shot, but it was wide.
Waynflete had one final chance, but Camelio knocked the ball away from Baginski and the Yachtsmen ran out the clock on a palpitating 8-7 victory.
“Waynflete is a very well-coached team and their zone gets better and better as the season goes on,” Pullen said. “You can’t overlook any opponent, especially not them. We were expecting a close contest.
“I’m very happy with how things are going. I’m very happy where we are. We’re not perfect. We still have work to do. To have the character and grit to pull out wins like today is important.”
Falmouth’s offense was led by three goals apiece from Camelio and Smithwick. Clement and Sarazin each had one goal.
Camelio and Sarazin had one assist apiece.
Dubinsky made two saves and they were timely.
Sarazin won 11 of 17 draws, including five in a row in one pivotal second half stretch.
“Kayla’s so reliable on the draw,” Smithwick said. “She’s unbelievable. She always gets it when we need it most and that was huge in this game.”
“Kayla was huge,” said Pullen. “The draws in the first half were close. We knew we had to possess more draws in the second half. We made some small adjustments and they really worked.”
“(Sarazin) did a beautiful job on the draw,” Connors said. “We changed things up, but we couldn’t get it.”
The Yachtsmen dominated ground balls, 43-23 (Sarazin had a game-high nine, Clement collected eight and Camelio had six) and had a commanding edge in shots, 28-11 (16-9 on cage).
Falmouth overcame 18 turnovers.
Waynflete’s offense was led by Stockford, who had four goals and one assist. Baginski, Burdick and Olney each tickled the twine once. Olney and Stockford also had an assist.
Akers made eight saves.
“Avis had a great game,” Connors said. “She was a star.”
Burdick, senior Claire Dubois and sophomore Clara Sandberg all had a team-high four ground balls.
The Flyers committed 23 turnovers and just couldn’t possess the ball enough to pull off what could have been a season-altering triumph.
“They were really good at getting all over us and we weren’t switching fields, but we never stopped fighting,” Connors said. “I’m so pleased. We played a great game. It’s encouraging. We pulled it together. We played more as a team and made each other look good. This was my team. I’m proud of them.”
Separate ways
This spring, for the first time, Falmouth and Waynflete don’t have to think about a potential playoff encounter.
The Flyers (now eighth in the Class B Heal Points standings) have a very tough closing schedule, beginning with a visit from Class C favorite Lake Region Monday. After going to Freeport Wednesday and St. Dom’s May 29, Waynflete finishes at home against Class B powerhouse Yarmouth June 1.
“We have a bunch of big games coming up and this gives us a feel of what we can do,” Connors said.
The Yachtsmen (first in Class A North) go to Bonny Eagle Tuesday, then finish at home versus Thornton Academy May 29.
“We’re really starting to pull together as a team,” said Smithwick. “We’re pumped for playoffs. We want the 1 seed really badly. If we get that, things will look really good for us to get to the states.”
“I can’t tell you how many times homefield advantage went through my mind today,” Pullen said. “It’s so huge to play on our field in front of our fans and have our routine. Sometimes all it takes in a game is a little edge and sometimes that edge is homefield advantage.”
Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.
Waynflete senior Claire Dubois reaches for the ball as Falmouth sophomore Holly Barney closes in.
Falmouth sophomore goalie Hannah Dubinsky keeps her eye on the ball.
Waynflete sophomore Clara Sandberg leaps over Falmouth sophomore Holly Barney.
Waynflete senior LZ Olney shoots and scores.
Falmouth junior Caitlyn Camelio races past Waynflete sophomore Clara Sandberg.
Waynflete senior Ya Stockford shoots as Falmouth freshman Eva Clement defends.
Falmouth junior Kayla Sarazin finds someone who can match her speed, Waynflete junior Sophie Sangster.
Falmouth senior Chelsey Smithwick races in for the game-winning goal, on a free position.
Waynflete seniors Izzy Burdick (6) and LZ Olney celebrate a goal.
Recent Waynflete-Falmouth results
2015
Falmouth 13 @ Waynflete 6
Western B semifinals
@ Falmouth 8 Waynflete 2
2014
Falmouth 8 @ Waynflete 6
2013
Waynflete 10 @ Falmouth 8
@ Waynflete 16 Falmouth 3
2012
Waynflete 13 @ Falmouth 10
Falmouth 13 @ Waynflete 10
Western B semifinals
Waynflete 10 Falmouth 9 @ Fitzpatrick Stadium
2011
Waynflete 18 @ Falmouth 10
Waynflete 12 @ Falmouth 8
2010
Waynflete 15 @ Falmouth 5
Western B Final
@ Waynflete 11 Falmouth 6
2009
@ Waynflete 16 Falmouth 7
Western B semifinals
@ Waynflete 12 Falmouth 4
2008
@ Waynflete 18 Falmouth 4
2007
@ Waynflete 10 Falmouth 2
2006
@ Waynflete 9 Falmouth 2
2005
Waynflete 12 @ Falmouth 1
2004
@ Waynflete 13 Falmouth 0
2003
Waynflete 14 @ Falmouth 3
2002
Waynflete 13 @ Falmouth 4
Send questions/comments to the editors.
