Centennial withstood a determined Reservoir comeback to beat the visiting Gators, 12-7, Tuesday afternoon.
Centennial scored four unanswered goals early in the second half to extend a 4-3 advantage into an 8-3 lead.
But by the midpoint of the second half, Reservoir started getting the draw and cut the deficit to 9-7.
A Centennial timeout to regroup and some timely saves by keeper Anna Cosentino (nine saves) kept the Gators from getting any closer.
"Our coach told us to play our own game and our style," said Centennial's Olivia Canby (two goals).
Martha Hutzell (four goals) added that the Eagles were "kind of frazzled from the start. It was off and on."
"There was a lapse when we couldn't get the draw and that was a big thing, but all of us started stepping up on the circle," Canby said.
"Once we had the ball and possession, we controlled the tempo," Centennial coach Lauren Meyer said. "We wanted to keep it big and keep it wide."
The Eagles' keep-it-wide offensive strategy made it difficult for Reservoir's defense. Come out and pressure or stay back and defend?
"We had to play good defense to get the ball back, which we did. The number of turnovers that we created to get the ball back was great," said Reservoir coach Katie Lee.
"I think this was the best we've played all season," said Reservoir's Anna Janush.
The victory kept Centennial unbeaten (3-0) and dropped Reservoir to 2-1 in county play.
"We can improve from here. There are a lot of things that we can work on," Meyer said.
Centennial 12, Reservoir 7
Goals: C — Martha Hutzell 4, Laurie Bracey 3, Samantha Courtemache 2, Olivia Canby 2, Allie Durkee. Re — Alex Sadzewicz 2, Haley Tiller 2, Anna Janush, Alexis Bartley, Elena Martino.
Assists: C — Samantha Courtemanche, Laurie Bracey. Re — Alex Sadzewicz, Haley Tiller.
Saves: C — Anna Cosentino 9. Re — Elizabeth Hyde 5.
Halftime: Centennial, 4-3.