Portland/Deering’s girls’ hockey team celebrates one of its eight goals in Wednesday afternoon’s 8-3 home win over Scarborough. Portland/Deering defeated the Red Storm for the first time in program history.

Joe Carpine / 365digitalphotography.com photos.

More photos below.

PORTLAND—Portland/Deering’s girls’ hockey team has shown tremendous improvement so far in the 2017-18 season and Wednesday afternoon at Troubh Ice Arena, the squad took its biggest step to date, beating perennial power Scarborough for the first time.

Portland/Deering, which split its first six contests this winter, fell behind, 1-0, when Red Storm junior Taylor Veilleux scored 4 minutes, 8 seconds into the game, but Portland/’Deering drew even with 1:54 to go in the first period, when junior Emily Demers scored on a rebound.

Scarborough went back on top a minute later, as senior Grace Murphy scored on the power play (from freshmen Kathleen Murphy), but with 17.1 seconds to go in the first, Demers set up freshman Caroline Lerch for the tying tally, making it 2-2 after 15 minutes.

Portland/Deering then got some breathing room in the second period, as after goalie senior goalie Adrianna Bodge stopped a couple Red Storm breakaways, Lerch gave Portland/Deering the lead for good with 9:07 to go in the second.

Later in the period, freshman Emma Merrill finished on the power play after a terrific individual move and junior Inez Braceras scored on the power play in the final minute for a 5-2 advantage heading for the third period.

There, Portland/Deering ended all doubt, as Demers scored two goals to complete a hat trick and Lerch added a goal to produce a hat trick of her own. The Red Storm got a late goal from senior Ivy DiBiase, but it was too little, too late as Portland/Deering went on to an 8-3 victory.

Scarborough finished with a 23-16 shots advantage, but Bodge made 20 shots. 

Sophomore Grace Carriero stopped eight shots for the Red Storm.

The Red Storm, who dropped their fourth game in a row to drop to 2-5, hope to bounce back Wednesday when Cape Elizabeth/Waynflete/South Portland pays a visit.

Portland/Deering (now 4-3) has two more home games to end the old year, welcoming York Saturday and Gorham Wednesday of next week. Portland/Deering then battles rival Cheverus/Kennebunk in the “City Cup” New Year’s Day.

Sports Editor Michael Hoffer can be reached at mhoffer@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @foresports.

Caroline Lerch scores one of her three goals in Wednesday’s victory.

Scarborough senior Logan Bruns shoots on goal as Portland/Deering’s Maddy Danse arrives too late.

Portland/Deering goalie Adrianna Bodge makes one of her 20 saves.

Portland/Deering’s Emily Demers skates up the ice.

Scarborough senior Katherine Loisel is denied in front by Portland/Deering goalie Adrianna Bodge.

Scarborough celebrates one of its three goals.

Portland/Deering’s Emma Merrill is congratulated by her teammates after scoring a second period goal.

Portland/Deering’s Emily Demers, left, and Caroline Lerch each scored three times in the win.

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