Morning Sentinel
Title at stake for Bobcats, Lakers
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BY GARY HAWKINS
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 11/04/2009

BY GARY HAWKINS

Staff Writer

Richmond boys soccer coach Joe Scribellito doesn't expect a wide open game when his top-seeded Bobcats host No. 2 Greenville in today's Western Maine Class D regional final.

While that game is being played, the top-seeded and unbeaten Richmond girls will also host Greenville for a regional championship.

The Greenville boys pulled off a 2-1 upset in Richmond last month despite being outshot 29-5.

"We were frustrated because they packed it in on us really tight," Scribellito said. "We faced a goalkeeper that had a career day. When that happens and the other team gets a bounce, that evens things up."

Greenville's Tony Diangelo (19 goals) scored both goals, including the game-winner on a direct kick. The Bobcats will mark him closely, but the Lakers have some scorers to worry about as well. Senior Eric Murrin has scored 26 goals while Joey Scribellito, another senior and the coach's son, has 12 goals and 12 assists.

Murrin scored the game-winner in last Friday's overtime win against North Haven-Vinalhaven.

"With us right now, it's just maintaining our composure and our focus," Scribellito said. "This team wants to finish. The kids realized how fleeting a season can be."

Although Richmond's offense is not as explosive as last year's, Scribellito thinks his defense might be better.

"We're limiting teams to five or six shots a game," he said.

The Bobcats, who have won the past four regional championships, last won a state title in 2007.

The Richmond girls dominated both the shots (16-4) and the score (4-0) when they hosted Greenville last month. They also beat the Lakers 2-1 in the season opener in Greenville.

"We played very well the last time around," Richmond coach Troy Kendrick said. "We're hoping to replicate that performance. In both games our defense did a good job of limiting their opportunities."

So far this season, the Bobcats have outscored their opponents 61-4 and have recorded 10 shutouts. However, they face a formidable duo in Greenville's Gretel Breton and McKenna Peat, who have combined for 20 goals.

"They've got pretty good overall team speed," Kendrick said. "From top to bottom they're a pretty good ball club."

The Bobcats counter with the highest scoring forward in the Class D West in sophomore Danica Hurley (26 goals) and freshman Noell Acord (17).

Gary Hawkins -- 621-5638

ghawkins@centralmaine.com

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