RUMFORD — St. Dom’s used its speed to its advantage Saturday, combining quick feet and a solid passing game to generate several scoring opportunities.

The Saints capitalized on three of those chances and earned a 3-1 win over Mountain Valley at sun-drenched Chet Bulger Field.

Freshmen Abbie Zanoni and Alex Hammerton’s goals in the second half were the difference, and the St. Dom’s defense was stout in the MVC win.

St. Dom’s (2-0-1) started out strong in the second half and gained momentum by attacking the ball, which Mountain Valley was unable to match.

“In the second half, we were able to get to the ball better,” St. Dom’s coach Alicia Pelletier said. “The 50-50 balls were a key because we hadn’t been going after them in the first half. Even when (Mountain Valley) reversed play, we were able to get the ball out and I think it pumped the girls up.”

It was Zanoni who notched the game-winner when she was set up on the right post and drilled a shot past Falcons goalie Karen Flaherty, who was unable to rotate over in time. The play had started on the left side when Tia Rotolico curled a shot around Falcons defender Victoria Ryerson.

“Our plan was to get open,” Saints defender Rileigh Stebbins said. “We were faster and the idea was to lead (Mountain Valley’s) defense wide and attack the gaps.”

Mountain Valley (2-1) tried to force the action and produced shots by Hannah Koch on a rush. Abby Mazza had several chances, including one shot that hit the crossbar.

“There were no adjustments made. We went with the players who have been playing,” Mountain Valley coach Lynn Gould said. “When we fell behind (there was a lull), but we were able to pick it up toward the end. It was too little, too late.”

The Saints defense of Hannah Phelan, Payton Winslow, Christine Chasse and Stebbins consistently forced the Falcons wide. This allowed goalie Victoria Sassé to cradle shots by the post.

Hammerton scored on an advancing pass and was able to beat Flaherty on the open side.

“We really didn’t make any changes,” Hammerton said. “We just work together as a team. By being able to get the ball wide, it spread the field out and produced more opportunities.”

The Falcons had extended pressure in the first half and had shots by LeAnne McNally, Keli Trenoweth and Koch that tested Sassé. The transition game led to Julia Perry’s tally on the left post. Ashley Russell crossed a pass with 45 seconds left in the game.

Avery Lutrzykowski scored with 2:25 remaining in the first half for the game’s first goal. Each team had goals waved off. The Saints ran out of time in the first half, while the Falcons were whistled for offsides.