Old Saybrook — Old Lyme has a habit of turning it on during state tournament time.

This fall is no exception.

The three-time defending CIAC Class S girls' soccer champion Wildcats are on a roll again, spelling trouble for any team in their post-season path.

The latest opponent to fall — fellow Shoreline Conference member Portland, the No. 6 seed.

Opportunistic senior Britney DeRoehn scored two second half goals less than three minutes apart, lifting 14th-seeded Old Lyme to a 2-0 victory in quarterfinal action at Old Saybrook High School.

Old Lyme will play No. 7 East Hampton, a 3-2 winner over No. 2 Housatonic, in Monday's semifinal at a time and location yet to be announced. The two Shoreline teams tied 1-1 during the regular season.

"I think that we feel the tournament is just our time to shine," said DeRoehn, explaining her team's post-season success. "We get this crazy burst of energy during tournament time. It's like nothing I've ever felt before.

"For some reason, this season, we had to build throughout the season and we had some rough patches. But we've really found each other and we've meshed super well. That's why we've found success."

The Wildcats needed a crazy burst of energy to carry them on Friday after playing just the day before, beating No. 3 Cromwell, another Shoreline rival, 2-1.

The first half belonged to Portland, which generated a consistent attack but came up empty thanks in part to goalie Samantha Gray, who made five of her six saves before intermission. Senior defender Caroline Wallace cleared a dangerous loose ball on the doorstep to thwart another scoring chance.

A determined Old Lyme team took charge in the second half. Playing with the wind at their back, the Wildcats pushed forward. Crafty senior Mya Johnson drew a crowd whenever she had possession while sophomore Kaylee Armenia helped control the midfield.

"We changed a few things around in the second half and moved a couple of players to different positions," coach Paul Gleason said. "It seemed to click a little bit better for us."

Extended pressure eventually paid off. Both goals came off of free kicks.

Johnson drew a foul in the offensive zone, setting up a free kick on the left side. She lofted a high cross deep into the box to the far side where sophomore Emily DeRoehn smartly headed it back to the middle.

Britney DeRoehn was in perfect position to head home the pass from her sister, handing Old Lyme the lead with 21 minutes, 11 seconds remaining.

"That was probably my favorite goal of the season because it was assisted by Emily," Britney said. "In the tournament, I keep finding myself in the right place at the right time and it's working out."

The go-ahead goal sent a charge through the Wildcats, who continued to force the Portland defense to scramble.

A clearance attempt fell to the trusty foot of sophomore Ellery Zrenda, who struck a long, arcing shot right at keeper Kelly Boutin who made the save but then dropped the ball. Britney DeRoehn poked it in for a 2-0 lead with 18:31 left.

DeRoehn also scored the game-winning goal on Thursday.

"Britney's got it going on right now and that's a good thing," Gleason said.

Old Lyme has dealt with its share of adversity this season, battling injuries to key players.

So far, the Wildcats haven't let anything stop them from advancing in the tournament.

As Gleason talked about his fondness for this team, the Wildcats let out a loud roar behind him to temporarily drown him out.

"What a great team effort," he said. "It's a wonderful team. It's a beautiful team. They're just psyched. They've worked hard."

g.keefe@theday.com