AUBURN — When you have a lot of underclassmen, including eight sophomores and three freshman, you can expect some growing pains when playing larger programs.

Despite some defensive lapses, the St. Dominic Academy Saints held their own but eventually succumbed to Freeport, losing 3-0 in girls’ high school soccer action Saturday.

Freeport took advantage of their experience and depth to outlast St. Dom’s, which was playing with only four substitutes. Nevertheless, the Saints played tough throughout.

“We’re playing tougher competition in the Western Maine Conference, and we’re still adjusting,” St. Dom’s coach Alicia Pelletier said. “We’re improving every game and we’re figuring it out going forward.”

Freeport’s Abbi King tallied her first goal of the half at the 23-minute mark, lofting a shot up and over an outstretched Abby Castonguay.

The Falcons continued their pressure, and off a direct kick, Becca Cameron’s shot was stopped by Castonguay, as it deflected off her hands and the top crossbar.

King scored her second goal of the half, off an assist from Abbye Koenig, with 1:36 remaining in the first half. 

“We weren’t always switching the ball in recent games,” said Freeport Coach Elayna Girardin. “Felt like today we did those things.”

St. Dom’s couldn’t capitalize on a trio of first-half corner kicks but did put the pressure on late in the half after an indirect kick by Emma Theriault. There was a scramble for the ball in front of the net before being snagged by Freeport goalie Jordan Randall.

St. Dom’s couldn’t muster much in the second half against Freeport.

Falcons added a second-half goal when the defense collapsed and Catriona Gould punched it past Castonguay for the final score. Castonguay finished with 10 saves in the loss.

“She’s really come into her own since game one. She’s made adjustments to better herself,” Pelletier said of her goalie.

Freeport outshot the Saints 13-9.