FREEPORT, Maine – The Freeport field hockey team avenged its regular-season loss to Yarmouth, securing a 1-0 victory and a return trip to the Class B state final.The win marks a important achievement for the Falcons, a veteran team boasting a senior class with prior state championship experience.
Freeport’s triumph over previously undefeated Yarmouth demonstrated their confidence and belief in one another. “We were confident. Yarmouth came into this game undefeated,they had every right to be confident as well,” said Freeport Coach Jennie Groves. “But I feel like we just believe in ourselves, and we knew that as long as we believed in each other, we could do it.”
The game’s decisive moment arrived just 1:01 into play when senior captain Lizalyn Boudreau assisted a goal by Groves, putting Freeport ahead 1-0. “Scoring first is super vital,” Freeport senior Wood stated. “The longer the second game (in the regular season) went on without a score, the more panicked we were, and not necessarily playing our game.”
Despite relentless pressure from Yarmouth, who earned 10 penalty corners throughout the game, Freeport’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Maddie Kryzek, held strong. kryzek recorded nine saves, including crucial stops on shots from Sally McGrath and Celia Zinman, and a blocked follow-up attempt by Stella Peck.
“it’s so rewarding,” Kryzek said. “I talked myself through it a little bit. Trust my training, this is my game, I know what to do. I’ve been in all these situations. I had to kind of calm my nerves and focus in on the game.That is what I’m here to do tonight,nothing else matters.” The performance was a redemption for Kryzek, who had previously misplayed a ball during overtime in the teams’ earlier matchup.
Yarmouth’s Celia Zinman spearheaded numerous attacks, but Freeport’s defense consistently cleared the rebounds and limited clear looks. Yarmouth Coach Amy Page acknowledged her team’s effort, stating, “We believed to the end. We thought it was coming, we just couldn’t get the last one in.”
Freeport, having previously won a state championship and reached another final, will now advance to the Class B state final, seeking another title.
