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When they were players, Ayla Burke and Ashlyn Wing played different positions, with different styles.

Now, as first year co-head coaches of the Erskine Academy girls lacrosse team, Burke and Wing have different responsibilities and bring different personalities to the sideline. They have meshed well, and the Eagles, a Class C team, are off to a 3-2 start, with losses by a combined three goals against Class B programs Cony and Gardiner/Hall-Dale.

“It’s a very exciting (time),” said Erskine senior captain Brooke Blais. “They’re very passionate about helping us get better. It puts us on a more positive (path).”

Added Burke: “After that first game, I think we were on cloud nine with the way they played. Just watching them, how smooth they were with passing and catching and the effort they put in. And then that game against Cony (a 10-9 loss on April 22), there isn’t much that’s more exciting, at least as a first-time head coach, than to go to double-overtime and almost win. We were so proud of the girls after that game, no matter the outcome. We’re excited for the rest of the season.”

Burke, formerly Ayla Allen, was a multi-sport standout at Mountain Valley High School. As a sophomore in 2010, Burke set the girls lacrosse single-season school record with 78 goals. She went on to a solid career at UMaine-Farmington, scoring 41 goals in 2013 and then again in 2015.

Wing, an Erskine graduate, has a more defensive background. She was a lacrosse goalie for the Eagles before playing soccer at UMaine-Presque Isle.

“They compliment each other really well,” Blaise said. “They’re both very fun.”

Added Erskine senior captain Shannon McDonough: “I think they’re both strict at different times, but that’s just to help us win games.”

Burke and Wing lead from the sidelines in different ways. Burke is quick with a joke while constantly providing direction from the sideline. Wing, is a bit more quiet, but quick to bark instructions on the defensive end when it’s needed.

“I think it’s a blast,” Burke said. “We didn’t know each other before coming into this. I think when (Erskine Academy athletic director Chuck Karter) paired us up, I think he kind of sensed that we would be a good fit together. I think the girls like it, and we love the girls.”

Added Wing: “It’s a wicked good balance. It’s enjoyable for sure. … It’s been amazing, we have (an offensive coach) on one side, defense on the other.”

The Eagles reached the Class C quarterfinals last season and finished 8-7.

This season, the Eagles are finding success at both ends of the field. Erskine is averaging 11.8 goals per game and has scored 10 more goals in each of its three wins.

“Our communication (has been a strength), because we’re all really close,” said McDonough. “It’s really been helping us. In the past, we haven’t been a transition team. We have a lot of good bonding, and it really helps us as a whole.”

Erskine is allowing 7.2 goals per game, led by junior goalie Lauren Dufour. The Eagles’ best defensive effort of the season came in a 14-1 win over Lawrence/Winslow on Wednesday.

“The work Ashlyn has been doing with (Dufour) has been amazing,” Burke said. “I wasn’t a goalie (as a player), I don’t really know anything about being a goalie. So having (Wing) there to teach her has been awesome.”

Added Wing: “Our offense has a history and has a really great connection. Defense, we could use some improvement, but I think we’re looking pretty good. Each practice, each game, we’re getting better. Our goalie is strong. We’re looking good, this early at least.”