HARWICH ─ The power of youth was evident in the Monomoy girls varsity soccer game against St. John Paul II when an eighth grader proved instrumental in the Sharks’ Cape and Islands League win.

Monomoy bested their opponents 3-0 last Thursday in a dominant outing in the Shark Tank in which Monomoy held sway over their visitors for much of the game, even as the Lions heightened their defense in the game's second half.

The eighth-grader behind two of the team’s goals was Maggie Devers, who netted nearly back-to-back shots in the game’s first half.

Devers’ first goal came near the 30-minute mark on a nice assist from teammate Francesca Barr, with her second score just five minutes later, unassisted.

“It was nice to see us put the ball in the net after our 0-0 tie against Nantucket on Tuesday,” said head coach Jenn Peterson.

Abigail Wallace found the net first for Monomoy, sending in an unassisted shot in the first half to give the Sharks a 1-0 edge.

Even as the Lions tried to step up their defense, holding Monomoy scoreless in the second half, the Sharks remained focused and determined, keeping much of the play around the opposing team’s net.

“In most of our games I feel we have dominated possession, but had trouble getting shots off and creating shots in the attacking third,” Peterson said. “We were extremely dangerous off of set pieces and corner kicks today.”

Meanwhile, Monomoy goaltender Josie Ganshaw worked to preserve the shutout, thwarting any scoring attempts by the Lions.

Peterson also praised her team’s sharp defense, which was a key factor in the win.

“The defense was great at extinguishing most SJP attacks up the field before they became problems,” said Peterson. “Mary Kavanagh and Victoria McKormack anchored the back line.”

The team’s overall record is 3-1-1. The Sharks host the Sturgis West Navigators today (Sept. 29) at 4 p.m., which Peterson said she’s looking forward to.