Owl women open with victories
PRESQUE ISLE — The University of Maine at Presque Isle soccer teams began their season with weekend home games, and the Owl women were able to grab a pair of wins while the men’s team split its contests.
Contributed photo
FRESHMAN NICOLE CYR of the UM-Presque Isle Owls looks to dribble past Unity defender Makayla McCormick during Saturday’s match at Park Family Field in Presque Isle. 
UMPI won and also prevailed on Sunday over St. Thomas University to get off to a 2-0 start.
The UMPI women, coached by Trevor Parent, blanked Unity College Saturday, 2-0, before doubling up on St. Thomas University of Fredericton, New Brunswick Sunday, 2-1.
In the opener, Bethany Heald scored the first of two Owl goals just 8:34 into the game, while Nicole Cyr had the other off a Jen Ouellette assist at the 21:08 mark.
Amanda Larrabee, the UMPI goalkeeper, faced only six shots throughout the contest.
On Sunday, Cyr and Heald were again the goal scorers, and both came in the first half. Cyr assisted on Heald’s goal, while Ouellette had the assist on Cyr’s.
Stephanie Clarke put St. Thomas on the board at 54:45, but the visitors could get no closer.
The UMPI women will next play in the Thomas College Invitational in Waterville Friday and Saturday. The squad opens against Maine Maritime Academy Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m.
The Owl men lost a 1-0 decision to Unity Saturday, with Carl Johann Fastberg scoring the only goal of the game at the 19:16 mark.
Goalkeeping was the story as UMPI’s Caleb Bragg-Grady and Unity’s Brendan Wallace combined for 28 saves. The Owls held a 32-15 advantage in shots on goal.
Coach Alan Gordon’s Owls bounced back Sunday for a 2-1 victory over St. Thomas. Derek Healy scored with 5:34 to play in regulation for the game-winning goal. Marc Reynolds garnered the assist.
The Tommies jumped out in front with a goal by Guillermo Bergeron 3:05 into the match, but Nick Whitehead headed in a crossing pass from Eric Gumaer to tie the score for UMPI.
The Owls played Northern Maine Community College Tuesday and then host St. Joseph’s College Saturday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m.
