It's 'double trouble' for Boothbay field hockey opponents
One is a defensive center midfielder. The other is an attacking center forward. Together, they are a dynamic duo who played an important role in the past two Boothbay Region High School field hockey seasons. They are also sisters. Meet sophomores Moriah and Zuri Smith.
Boothbay posted an 11-1-2 regular season record and finished No. 1 in the 2025 Class C South standings. The Seahawks outscored their opponents 59-7 in the regular season. This was Boothbay’s best team result since 2017 and the second best ever in 50 years. Boothbay's quest for a regional title was thwarted by Winthrop Nov. 1 in the semifinals, after the Seahawks advanced by defeating Traip Academy in the quarterfinal game.
The sisters built on a strong freshman season with an even stronger sophomore season. Moriah scored 19 goals with seven assists. Zuri scored seven goals with three assists.
Boothbay coach Jax Hepburn (nee van der Veen) described Zuri as the team's "quarterback and playmaker" and Moriah as a "great attacker with the ability to carry the ball everywhere on the field."
Hepburn also saw the two improve in the past season. "They've both gotten physically stronger and their overall game has improved," she said. "They took a greater leadership role within the team which has brought everybody else up."
Hepburn isn't the only one singing the praises of Zuri and Moriah.
Their play was also recently recognized by Mountain Valley Conference coaches. The two were named as First-Team All-Mountain Valley Conference players.
The successful season only make the sophomores more excited about future seasons.
"I really didn't expect it to be this good,. It was an amazing season," Moriah said. "I can't wait to build on that next season."
Zuri agreed this year's Seahawk team had a remarkable season. "It was a great group of girls. A great coach, and all the work we put in during the off-season really paid off."
Boothbay won its first four games before succumbing to Hall-Dale, 1-0, on Sept. 15. Boothbay turned the tables on the Bulldogs Oct. 17 with a 5-0 victory. "We were better conditioned and more prepared in that game," Moriah said.
Another regular season highlight occurred Oct. 1 with a 2-1 victory over Winthrop, a perennial state championship contender. "They have several players with good stick skills and are an excellent defensive team. In that game, our field awareness and passing transfers made the difference." Zuri said.
As sophomores, they still have two more seasons to cause "double-trouble" for Boothbay opponents. Both say field hockey is their favorite sport and they compete in the off-season for Maine Styx, a year-round field hockey club based in Portland.
Both would like to play college field hockey. Moriah is considering a career in engineering, science, or law. Zuri is considering engineering and occupational or physical therapy. The sisters also participate in indoor and spring track and field.

