Courtesy of George Stevens Academy
Front row, from left: Josephine Khederian, Schyler Dorr, Oceanna Gagne, Silas Murnik, Danielle Bianco, Mallory Charette, Isla Brownlow, Elinor Haldane, Margaret Nevin, Sophia Steinbarger, Ellis Murnik. Back row: Emma Brown, Andrea Brooks, Gabriyah Gadsby, Yulia Heggestad, Bess MacArthur, Courtney Bianco, Libby Weed, Julianna Allen, Chloe Politte, Katie Forrest. Not pictured: Vanessa Sherwood, Hannah Sherwood, Lindsay Nevin.
Senior Nellie Haldane fights to control the ball against Bucksport on September 5. By Anne Berleant
Blue Hill—The closest the George Stevens Academy girls varsity soccer team came to scoring against Bucksport on September 6 was just about two feet. With the ball in front of her and the goalkeeper behind, senior Nellie Haldane had a clear look early in the second half but not enough time to execute before the Golden Buck’s defense swarmed. The Eagles lost 0-1 off a first half goal, with Bucksport’s stronger defense the story of a match that saw both teams struggle on offense.
This was the second loss for the Eagles, after falling 0-6 to Dexter to open the varsity season September 1.
Senior Isla Brownlow traps the ball, with junior Julianna Allen as back up, against Bucksport on September 5. By Anne Berleant
“I have some real talent,” Coach Steve Bemiss said. “But we have to work on our tactics [and] in order to do that we have to have a firm grasp of the ability to pass and receive the ball.”
The team is a heady mix of experience and new players after losing a couple strong seniors. Current seniors Nellie Haldane, Lindsay Nevin and Isla Brownlow stepped in against Bucksport, with returning players and freshmen still learning.
Junior Danielle Bianco moves the ball down the field against Bucksport September 5. By Anne Berleant
“Because we have some kids that have been around and some brand new, this communication thing takes time,” Bemiss said.
One more shaky piece for the team is that a few players are having to choose between jobs and soccer, Bemiss said. “I’ve got a lot of that, unfortunately. In order for a team to work you’ve got to commit to the team.”
The Eagles host Ellsworth on Tuesday, September 12. Game time is 4 p.m.
Coach Steve Bemiss watches his team fight Bucksport’s defense from the sideline. By Anne Berleant
The Eagles push against Bucksport in 0-1 loss September 5. By Anne Berleant