OAKLAND — Another year, another top seed for the Skowhegan field hockey team.

The River Hawks held off early pressure from Messalonskee and pulled away to earn a 3-0 win Saturday at Veterans Field. Skowhegan finishes the regular season 12-0-2 and earned the top seed in the Class A North playoffs.

Charlotte Haynie and Faith Pease each had a goal and an assist for Skowhegan, the No. 3 team in the Varsity Maine poll. Kaitlyn Dufour added a goal.

“We’re happy, we worked really hard all season for this,” said Pease, a junior forward and captain. “I can’t wait to see what we do next.”

Senior goalie Adriana Pettengill made 13 saves for Messalonskee (10-4).

How did they do it?

Strong defense, particularly in the first half.

The River Hawks are known for their offensive prowess, but Messalonskee had early opportunities, with five penalty corners in the first half.

“I told (the team at halftime), I honestly think we won the first half, we just didn’t finish,” said Messalonskee coach Riley Field.

Not only did the Skowhegan defense clear the ball out, but it also prevented the Eagles from putting a shot on goal.

“I think our defense has improved drastically,” Pease said. “I think that’s really helped us, especially today.”

Skowhegan coach Paula Doughty added: “We changed our defense this year, in some significant ways. The kids bought into it, really worked hard at it, and it’s working for us.”

Skowhegan scored in each of the first two quarters and led 2-0 at halftime.

The River Hawks turned up the pressure in the second half, with an 8-0 advantage in penalty corners. Dufour scored early in the fourth quarter, on a backhand shot off a rebound.

“We have a solid foundation, (the issue) is capitalizing,” Field said. “Our midfield play looks great, but games are won in the defensive circle and the attacking circle, and those are the things we need to tighten up a little bit.”

What does it mean?

Skowhegan will be the only unbeaten team entering the A North playoffs. Mt. Ararat, Messalonskee, Mt. Blue and Lewiston all have nine or more wins, making this the most competitive A North field in recent memory.

“(Being a top seed) gives us confidence, but we know that every game is going to be a big game and everyone is going to play us hard,” said Haynie, a junior midfielder and captain. “We have to show up every game and play as hard as we can.”

Lewiston battled Skowhegan to a 2-2 tie on Sept. 29. Mt. Ararat also played to a 2-2 tie with the River Hawks on Oct. 13.

“This season, everybody was in every game (in A North),” Doughty said. “I’m telling you, there’s going to be upsets in the tournament. Hopefully not us, but there’s going to be some upsets, because from top to bottom, KVAC A is awesome this year.”

Make-A-Wish Game

Messalonskee players wore Make-A-Wish shirts during pregame, in support of the organization that grants wishes to children with critical illnesses to lift their spirits. Both the school’s field hockey and girls soccer teams have been raising money for the organization.

Before the game, Pettengill, who has cystic fibrosis and was previously granted a trip to Spain through Make-A-Wish, spoke to the crowd about the benefits of the organization.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes thick mucus to build in the lungs, pancreas and other organs, causing breathing difficulties, lung infections and digestive issues.

“I really didn’t find out about that until this year,” said Field, who was the junior varsity coach for the Eagles last year before taking over as head coach this fall. “I was surprised, because she never complains, never shows it at all. She’s one of the most positive kids on the team. She’s such a leader and such a great person. I’m really proud of her.”

Statistical leaders

Skowhegan: Faith Pease (1 goal, 1 assist), Charlotte Haynie (1 goal, 1 assist), Kaitlyn Dufour (1 goal)

Messalonskee: Adriana Pettengill (13 saves)