Saturday's showdown between unbeaten Gardiner and six-time defending Class A champion Skowhegan should be a good one.

Cony coach Krista Chase has played both teams and gives Gardiner a slight edge although she admits it's been awhile since her Rams played Skowhegan. Gardiner stopped Cony 1-0 on Tuesday but dominated the action.

Gardiner played without junior center back Lauren Gorham who sat on the bench Tuesday with crutches. She may have a broken ankle, according to Gardiner coach Moe McNally who said she'll be X-rayed again today. Gorham hurt herself when the child she was babysitting earlier this week fell and she reached to help it. McNally moved Becky Pelletier from midfield to center back and freshman Kaylee Heath to midfield and both played well.

Many of the Cony players hugged McNally during pregame introductions which looked a little unusual for two long-time rivals.
"Five or six of those kids have been to my Big Cat Clinic in June," McNally said. "When those kids were in third or fourth grade they were down to Big Cat for a couple of years. I know them pretty well. They're good kids."

The field at Lou Buker School in Augusta was in top-notch shape, a product of hard work from City of Augusta employees, Cony coach Krista Chase said. It also helped that summer lacrosse was held on the adjacent field, she added. Next season, the Rams will move to a field adjacent to the school.