AUBURN — The Edward Little field hockey team’s strength is speed and it was put to use early and effectively in its 5-0 field hockey win over Bangor on Saturday.

“I think our speed is something we capture on and that definitely helps us along,” Edward Little coach Kim Joler said. “The momentum we have on those quick passes, I think that’s where we are our strongest. But Bangor has some good players; they were marking up quickly and we had to make adjustments on the field.”

The Red Eddies (2-2) gained possession of the ball on the opening and quickly moved the ball into the offensive side of the field. Adrianna Couture notched the first of her three assists when she set up Leah Thibodeau’s first goal 30 seconds into the game.

“We really came out with that fire,” Thibodeau said. “I think we really did well setting the tone for (the) game. The goal really had us step up our energy level, and we really stepped it up throughout the (game).”

Bangor coach Jay Kemble said the Red Eddies provided a grueling challenge Saturday, and that’s something the Rams will need become accustomed to as they head deeper into their Class A North schedule.

“You have to find ways to mentally rebound because when you start getting to the playoffs, every game is grueling,” Kemble said. “You got to find ways to bounce back from a game that takes a lot of physical toll and mental toll on you.”

Edward Little kept possession in the offensive zone for most of the first half. Bangor goalie Lydia Lynch (14 saves) kept the deficit at 1-0 for most of the half, including a stop of Red Eddies forward Mariana Morgan on a breakaway with under five minutes remaining in the second quarter.

“(Lynch) has done a great job for us and she has really grown into that role of being an outstanding goalie — she’s becoming a leader,” Kemble said. “She’s athletic and strong in the goal; she has done a great job for us all year.”

The Rest Eddies, though, added breathing room before the half ended when Amanda Raymond won a battle for the ball in the circle and beat Lynch for a 2-0 lead.

Bangor defended Edward Little penalty corners well in the first half stopping all eight.

“We stayed low, just like in basketball, you got to keep your feet squared, you got to stay low and you have to keep your balance,” Kemble said of defending penalty corners. “(We) do a good job; we practice corners a lot — it’s an integral part of the game because so many goals come off of (penalty) corners.”

Joler said Edward Little made some adjustments, but its numerous penalty corners helped wear down the Rams’ defense.

“I think we had a lot of opportunities, corner after corner, which tires out their defense,” Joler said. “We couldn’t (capitalize) in that first (half) and it was a quick adjustment we need to make on a corner, was crashing that cage.”

The Red Eddies started to convert on penalty corners in the third quarter. Leah Thibodeau scored twice off inserts from Couture for a 4-0 lead.

“We have been playing together for years now and I think having that chemistry with her throughout the years helps us execute all these plays,” Thibodeau said of her and Couture.

Morgan added Edward Little’s fifth goal late in the third quarter.

Edward Little goalie Kasey Smith made her only save of the game in the fourth quarter.

Thibodeau said Saturday’s victory is something the Red Eddies can build off of in the coming games.

“We have Brunswick, we have Lewiston, we have a couple of big games next week,” Thibodeau said. “I think keeping that focus and energy at practice will keep us prepared mentally.”

Edward Little, which beat Mt. Blue and lost to Skowhegan earlier this week, travels to Brunswick on Tuesday, and hosts Lewiston on Thursday.