The soccer rivalry between Erin Campbell’s Hampden Academy Broncos and Megan McCrum’s Bangor High School Rams was as intense as they come.

But they are now freshman teammates who have played pivotal roles for the youthful University of Maine-Farmington women, who will take an impressive 17-3-1 record into today’s NCAA Division III Tournament game against 21-1 Wheaton College (Mass.) in Norton, Mass.

Campbell had been a career midfielder before being moved to striker by UMF coach Bob Leib. She has responded with a school freshman-record 18 goals and 11 assists en route to being chosen the North Atlantic Conference’s Rookie of the Year.

McCrum is a tenacious stopper/marking back who has teamed with sweeper Marci Kimball of Westbrook to anchor the defense.

“Erin is probably the smartest player I have ever coached,” said Leib. “She is our best all-around player. She knows what to do with the ball.

“Megan has totally shut down the opponents’ leading scorers in our playoff games. She is a disciplined defender who reads the game well,” said Leib.

“When Meg marks someone, you know she’s going to shut her down,” said Campbell, who considers her former high school rival one of her best friends.

Campbell has been surprised by her success and was “very flattered” by her Rookie of the Year accolades.

“I had never scored more than nine goals in a season,” said Campbell. “Having [freshman] Jodie Welch up front with me has helped a lot. She has always been a striker so I’ve learned a lot from watching her play.”

Wells’ Welch has contributed 16 goals and 15 assists.

“I wouldn’t say shooting is my strength. I’m more of an assist person. Jodie is also big on assists and I feel bad when I don’t finish off her passes. So I have worked really hard on my shot,” added Campbell. “I remember how frustrated I used to get when I would cross the ball [from her outside midfield spot at HA] and not have someone finish.

“So I try to get some type of body part on it so it goes toward the goal,” said Campbell.

McCrum said this season has been a “great experience” for her.

“I’ve had to guard the other teams’ key players so I’ve had to learn to step up more [before they can receive the ball or turn with it],” said McCrum.