WATERVILLE — Even for Kristy Bernatchez, it was an amazing performance.
Bernatchez entered this year’s Eastern A field hockey playoffs with 35 goals this season. In Tuesday’s quarterfinal with seventh-ranked Oxford Hills, Bernatchez played a little more than half the game on offense, but still scored six goals to lead Messalonskee to an 11-0 romp at Thomas College.
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“She’s phenomenal,” Messalonskee coach Katie McLaughlin said. “I think what’s great about Kristy is not only is she scoring all these goals, but she still doesn’t hesitate to make that assist. It’s not about her. It’s about the team first, always. As a senior captain, you can’t ask for more from a player.”
No. 2 Messalonskee will play the winner of Thursday’s quarterfinal between No. 3 Lawrence and No. 6 Brewer. That semifinal game is tentatively scheduled for noon, Saturday. Messalonskee athletic director Tom Hill said the Eagles would like to play at Thomas again, pending approval from their opponent.
With 41 goals this fall, Bernatchez is apparently closing in on the state single-season record. That record is believed to be held by Dexter’s Megan Fogarty, who scored 42 goals in 2003. Fogarty also holds the state’s career record, with 109 goals.
“It’d be nice to break it,” Bernatchez said, “but I’d rather our team win states.”
Messalonskee completely dominated the Vikings, holding a 43-1 advantage in shots. Shannon Fillebrown, who played goalie for Oxford Hills in the first half, made a spectacular diving save to deny Lynnae Luettich a sure goal, but the Eagles just had too many chances not to win.
Nikki Collier added two goals for Messalonskee, and Emily York, Kylee Knight, and Emily Hogan had one apiece. Bernatchez scored four goals in the first half and two in the first 7:05 of the second half. She also had a blistering shot that knocked Fillebrown over even though Fillebrown blocked it with her stick.
Oxford Hills did not get into its offensive circle until less than 20 minutes remained in the game. Messalonskee led 9-0 at that point after taking a 6-0 into halftime.
Matt DiFilippo — 861-9243
mdifilippo@centralmaine.com
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