Grace Averill scored twice to lift the third-seeded Cougars (11-2-2) over the No. 6 Minutemen (6-8-1) in the Class C North quarterfinals in Dixfield.

Averill’s first goal was set up by Layla Merrill and gave Dirigo a 1-0 lead in the first quarter. Averill added to the lead with an unassisted third-period goal. Goalie Keira Kelley made one save.

Stearns goalie Ava Perkins stopped six shots.

The Cougars advance to face second-seeded Foxcroft (13-1-1) in the C North semifinals later this week. The Ponies defeated seventh seed Mountain Valley 2-0 on Tuesday.