SKOWHEGAN -- The anticipated Gardiner-Skowhegan field hockey matchup on Monday afternoon came down to field position. Skowhegan's offense established it, and the Indians' defense wouldn't let it get away.

It added up to big advantages in statistics and a 2-0 edge on the scoreboard, as Skowhegan stayed unbeaten through 12 games by scoring in the final minutes of each half.

The Indians had 17 shots and 15 penalty corners, while Gardiner (10-2-0) had five of each.

"We made too many mistakes today, way too many defensive mistakes," Gardiner coach Moe McNally said. "We gave up way too many corners. A good team like Skowhegan, they're going to score on them."

The Tigers did make some nice plays on defense. Ashley Hickey had a defensive save midway through the first half, and Lauren Gorham added one with about 12 1/2 minutes left in the second half. Goalie Alley Beaulieu (10 saves) was steady in the cage and made some nice stops.

But too often, Gardiner's defensive gems were bailout plays after mistakes had put the Tigers in danger. Skowhegan, which held Gardiner without a shot or a penalty corner in the first half, eventually made those chances count.

That took a while, as the Indians made their own mistakes on offense. But late in the first half, Rebecca McCarty sent a beautiful hit from the right sideline to the front of the cage. Erin Sevey deflected it in with 2:09 left, and Skowhegan led 1-0 at halftime.

No team this season had really put pressure on Skowhegan's defense, and the Indians were able to hold the fort in that area when Gardiner challenged. In the first half, McCarty and Kylie Damon did a fine job of stopping Gardiner's hits upfield. After the break, Skowhegan responded to Gardiner's attacks.

"I thought we played great defense today," Skowhegan coach Paula Doughty said. "I think that was our main goal today, was to test our defense, see what they were made of, and I was real happy."

Skowhegan's last goal came with 40 seconds left, and was the result of a Gardiner mistake. McCarty played a free hit that went under the sticks of two Gardiner defenders and off the foot of a third in the circle for a penalty corner.

Gardiner couldn't get the ball out, and Skowhegan earned another corner. Erin Sevey drilled a shot off the right post, but Nicole Sevey sent home the rebound.

Neither team will have much of a chance to relax today. Gardiner hosts Cony (10-2-0), while Skowhegan is at Messalonskee (9-1-0) in a game that could end up determining home-field advantage for the Eastern A playoffs.

"It's stressful, but it's also fun, because they're both great teams," Damon said. "We love to have the opportunity to play teams with that type of caliber."

Matt DiFilippo -- 861-9243

mdifilippo@centralmaine.com