Morning Sentinel
Nice move
BY GARY HAWKINS
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 12/02/2008

BY GARY HAWKINS

Staff Writer

Cony High School sophomore Olivia Boivin was asked to move from midfielder to sweeper this year by soccer coach Jeramie Greenleaf. Doesn't sound like such a big deal, but it meant everything to the Rams.

"It wasn't until right before the season started that I decided to play her there," Greenleaf said. "We don't go 8-3-3 without Olivia back there."

Boivin had played the position for her premier team but wasn't so sure she'd enjoy it in high school. It turned out to be a perfect match for her.

"She's got the height and she's got the soccer smarts," Greenleaf said.

For her efforts this season, Boivin has been named Kennebec Journal Girls Soccer Player of the Year. Also considered were Cony's Cassie Diplock and Maranacook's Emily Perkins.

One of the facets the 5-foot-9 Boivin most enjoyed about playing sweeper was being able to see the whole field. Not only does she play the ball well out of the air, but she's a deft dribbler who often carried the ball to midfield to start the offense.

"I knew if I went up I had people who would cover for me," she said.

The season was pivotal for the Rams, who won five games the previous year. They're only graduating three players and expect to be even better next season. The turning point, ironically, was a 1-0 loss to perennial powerhouse Brunswick.

"I think that's when we realized we can compete with any team," Boivin said.

The Rams went on to tie Mt. Ararat, another power in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference, and didn't lose a game until falling 3-2 to Mt. Blue in the quarterfinal round of the Class A playoffs. Boivin had one of her three goals in that game, but her value was primarily on defense.

"She's so athletic and strong," Greenleaf said. "I had her taking (direct) kicks from 30 yards out."

Boivin also played through a good deal of pain during the season after injuring her tailbone in the first Brunswick game.

"She's tough," Greenleaf said. "She played through a lot of pain this year at times. I don't think she was at 100 percent the entire year."

Boivin effectiveness during the season is even more impressive considering she took the summer off due to sprained ligaments in her ankle. It was easy considering she's played soccer for at least 10 years.

"I just love the competition and I just love the game," she said. "It's so much fun."

The Rams crept up on the competition this season, but no one in the KVAC will take them for granted next fall. Boivin, though, wasn't surprised with the team's success.

"Coming into this year, I knew we were going to do really well," she said. "I'm so happy with what we did. I think we'll be just as good next year if not better."

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com

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