A new year, a new look.

In a reversal from last season, the Boothbay Region Seahawks used their speed and improved ball movement, as well as a tough defense, against the visiting Dirigo Cougars to win their first game of the season, 3-1, on Perkins Field Friday, Sept. 5.

Last season, the Cougars had the speed, defense and experience in shutting out the Seahawks twice.

The teams were getting their first-game familiarity out of the way in the first half as the game remained scoreless after 30 minutes.

The Seahawks struck first with a goal at 9:11 of the third quarter. Sophomore standout Moriah Smith dribbled the ball into the offensive end from midfield and into the scoring circle. Dirigo’s goalie came up to meet the action and Smith pushed the ball toward the goal cage. With the cage wide open, freshman Olivia Hardwick tapped the ball into the goal.

Approximately two minutes later, Smith assisted on another goal as sophomore Izzy Andreasen took the pass and drove the ball into the goal from the left side.

Dirigo made the game 2-1 on a goal by Madisyn Bradeen at 8:39 of the fourth quarter.

That’s when Boothbay’s speed and defense took over as they stopped Dirigo’s momentum by intercepting passes and keeping the ball from getting into the scoring zone.

A late goal by Zuri Smith at 1:06 provided the final score.

The Seahawks next travel to Bethel to take on Telstar on Monday, Sept. 8.