Coming into Friday night 3-0 AIC plays 3-0 Bowdoin in a clash that will, to all intents and purposes, be a preview of the Tier II final among the NCAA varsity programs.
With the DII and DIII reformatted to play in one competition (instead of making it DII only and DIII only) this level is now more competitive and more intense.
Bowdoin, which dominated the story in DIII, is not getting what they have always looked for—tougher competition. And you can see that from the scores. The Polar Bears are 3-0 in NIRA and 4-0 overall, beating Northeastern in an out-of-NIRA experience.
Every game has been competitive. They neat New Haven and scored 79 points, but UNH got 33. They beat Northeastern, but by the score of 27-17.
They beat a tough Frostburg State team 41-20, and West Chester 37-27. Not one of those games was a pleasure cruise, and two were within 10 points at the end of it all.
Local Maine product Maria Petelo has been outstanding for the Polar Bears and has four tries this season. Evie Hamer (Belmont HS product) has three and can kick for points. Lulu Linkas out of the American School of London has also been strong on kicks for points.
Mira Costa HS product Nisi Tuitupou sets the tone up front.
For AIC, they are beginning to fit all the pieces together, but, said DOR Jameson Bonti, "we have yet to hit full stride. Bowdoin is going to present a unique challenge with how they play, both physically and tactically. More credit to them and their staff. We respect the work that their players and coaches have put in and hope to rise to the occasion."
AIC is 3-0 in the conference and 4-1 overall, beating West Chester, Davenport, and New Haven, while also beating a Sacred Heart XV and losing to Harvard in non-conference matches.
Their scores vs common opponents with Bowdoin are bigger, but that only takes you so far.
Leading the way for AIC is center Mahina Hafoka. She runs strong attacking lines and is a defensive workhorse. But her biggest contribution might be off the field.
"She is always thinking what's best for our family and puts others first," said Bonti.
