Mariner Katie Hutchinson looks for an opening December 7 in Blue Hill. By Anne Berleant
Blue Hill—Despite a late surge by the George Stevens Academy Eagles, the Deer Isle-Stonington Mariner girls varsity team prevailed 55-42 in the season opener December 7.
“It was a good start against a very talented team,” Mariner coach Randy Shepard said, as his team celebrated the win.
Eagle Evelyn Dagan faces off against Kaylee Morey December 7 in Blue Hill. By Anne Berleant
The Mariners, who went 17-1 last season before losing in the Class D semifinals, put pressure on the GSA offense from the opening seconds, building a 14-7 lead heading into the second quarter.
The Mariners continued to overpower the Class C Eagles, holding them to two points while extending their run for a 31-9 lead at halftime.
Then, GSA freshman Evelyn Dagan began finding the inside of the net, scoring 11 points in the third quarter and matching that in the fourth, powered by six three-pointers that brought the home crowd to its feet. At the same time, the Eagle defense began to click, holding the Mariners to 13 points to their own 19 in the third quarter and winning the fourth 12-11.
However, the Eagles also fell into foul trouble and still trailed 50-42 with 1:30 left on the clock, the smallest scoring gap of the game.
“Being the first game of the season, I think there was a lot of nerves, especially for the younger players,” Eagle Head Coach Brandi Ensworth said. “I was happy that they fought back in the second half.”
Senior Julianna Allen scored six points, junior Vanessa Sherwood and freshman Sophia Biggie-Jennings each added five points, and freshman Luna Perry-St.Peter chipped in four points.
After a 43-26 loss December 10 at Central, the Eagles were 0-2 before hosting Narraguagus December 12 (score not available by press time). The team faces Ellsworth on Saturday, December 15. Tipoff for that game is 12:30 p.m.
Eagle Luna Perry-St.Peter maneuvers through the Mariner defense December 7 in Blue Hill. By Anne Berleant