ORONO – Marie-Andree Canuel looks younger than her 19 years and possesses an infectious smile.

But she doesn’t give opposing goalies much to smile about.

The University of Maine’s freshman attacking midfielder leads the team in goals with eight and points with 17 in helping to the Bears to a 5-2-1 start.

And she has earned a unique distinction from coach Scott Atherley.

“She is the best player in the air, man or woman, I have ever coached,” said Atherley. “She’s only 5-foot-4 but she attacks the ball.”

“She just goes all-out for it. She’s a natural,” said Maine junior goalie Tanya Adorno. “And that’s not something you can teach. You can tell someone to be aggressive and can teach them the proper technique. But that’s just instinct.”

Canuel has surprised herself with her goal production.

“It’s not me,” she chuckled. “I’ve never scored eight goals in a season. I didn’t score a lot of goals in Quebec.”

One of the ingredients contributing to her start has been her position, she said.

“In Quebec, I was more of a defensive midfielder,” said Canuel, who has thrived as an attacking midfielder.

“If she has the ball from 12 yards in, she’s going to put it away,” said Adorno. “She picks a spot and tucks it away. She knows where to put it.”

Atherley said Canuel “has all the qualities to be a big-time player. She really has a sixth sense. She has savvy. She can see an opening and know where to be before the ball is played.”

Prior to coming to Maine, Canuel led F.X.-Garneau to two national CEGEP [prep school] championships, scoring the game-winner in both finals.

She was named to the all-tournament team both years.

Canuel was going to remain in Quebec but had an enjoyable visit to Maine and decided to attend.

“The coach [Atherley] was very nice, the girls were very nice and the campus was nice,” said Canuel, who already has a four-goal game to her credit (in a 5-0 win over Providence).

She doesn’t have any regrets so far.

“It has been more fun than I expected,” said Canuel, who has been pleased with the team’s start.

“We have a good team. Everyone on our team is good. We want to do the best we can,” said Canuel, who has been a member of the Canadian Youth National Team along with the Quebec Provincial and National Training Center teams.