The big news in girls high school soccer this season so far isn’t a who, or a what, or a when ... it’s all about where.

For at least the last 20 years, and undoubtedly longer, the Boothbay Region High School girls soccer team has used Clifford Playground in Boothbay as its home turf. It has been the only BRHS sports team, other than track for which there are no suitable facilities, that has been relegated to an off-campus location. With Clifford Playground located about three miles from the BRHS campus, soccer players had to find their own transportation to the field and once there had to compensate for no running water, a one-hole outhouse, a substandard field and no scoreboard. The spillover effect that boosts game attendance at the high school, where students, parents, faculty and YMCA goers converge, is also absent at Clifford Playground.

This year, the BRHS girls soccer team has finally found its place on Sherman Field at the BRHS campus, thanks to team captain Summer Chamberlin, whose last year’s English class video argued that the school failed to comply with Title IX standards by not providing equal facilities for this female sports team. Chamberlin’s video led to a school discussion and a decision this year to host all home games at Sherman Field, while practices continue at Clifford Playground.

“Summer put together a compelling argument as to why the girls should play at home on the football field. It went in front of the school board and they agreed. I'm really proud of the work she put into it and am really glad it paid off,” Coach Ben Powell wrote in an email.

On Friday, the girls faced stiff competition in their season opener at home against Monmouth Academy. The Lady Seahawks were defeated 13-0, but showed good skills and great perseverance against insurmountable odds.

“It was a tough loss, but there are definitely some positive takeaways from the game. We were able to move the ball up the field consistently; even though we didn't put in any goals, we created chances. Monmouth is most likely the best team we will see this year, so we can put that in our rear view. We will have a lot of competitive games this year and I'm excited by the progress we've already made in just a couple weeks,” Powell said after the game.

The Lady Seahawks fell to Wiscasset on Tuesday in a much more even game. Scoring for Boothbay were Olivia Paolillo, on a cross from Reagan Cola, and Cola on a solo drive from midfield. Boothbay showed improved passing and good defense but the Wolverines’ strong offense held the day. The final score was Wiscasset 5, Boothbay, 2. 

In an email later, Powell wrote: “The game was much more competitive than the score reflects. We had a couple defensive breakdowns early which they were able to capitalize on. From there on we played them even, and in my opinion had better and more frequent opportunities including a missed penalty kick.

“I can’t stress this enough but as a team we are making big strides every week,” Powell continued. “Everyone on the field made contributions tonight and I’m proud of how we played despite the loss.”

The Lady Seahawks will be on the road for their next two games, facing Oak Hill on Sept. 7 and Mt. Abram on Sept. 12.