SKOWHEGAN — The Skowhegan field hockey team will feature a new-look starting lineup this season, but the expectations are still the same: Compete for a state title.

Last season, the River Hawks finished 16-2 and dropped a 2-1 decision to Cheverus in the Class A final. Skowhegan graduated a large contingent of seniors from that group, including two Miss Maine Field Hockey finalists in Layla Conway (25 goals, 10 assists) and Laney LeBlanc (15 goals, 12 assists). This season, the River Hawks will have a new lineup, returning just three starters.

On Tuesday morning, Varsity Maine caught up with some of the River Hawks. Video by Dave Dyer.

“It’s really great to get back on the field,” said Skowhegan senior Ellie Quinn. “We have a very new team this year. We’re very young, but we’ve been training all summer and have been working every day. It’s really great to get back together as a team.”

The River Hawks still return plenty of talent. Quinn is one of four senior captains, along with Sophie Noyes, Sydalia Savage and Katriel Garcia. Savage and Quinn both scored 13 goals last season, and each had more than 10 assists. Noyes added nine goals.

Since 2001, Skowhegan has won 22 consecutive regional championships under head coach Paula Doughty, with 17 Class A titles.

“It’s kind of second nature,” Quinn said. “We’ve grown up around Skowhegan field hockey and always… I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, I think it’s motivation. It’s cool that we’re a part of it. We’ve all won (three) Northern Maine titles and have won state titles, but I think it’s a good motivator.”

“I think there’s some pressure,” added Noyes. “I don’t want to end the legacy.”

Skowhegan starts the regular season Sept. 5 at Brewer High School.