One freshman is a co-captain. Another is leading the conference in scoring.

Six others usually start.

The youth movement is paying huge dividends for the University of Maine-Machias women’s soccer team, which is off to its best start in school history at 9-0.

They have been ranked 37th nationally and second in the Northeast region in the NAIA polls.

The Clippers beat the University of Maine-Farmington (1-0) for the first time ever.

Central midfielder Liz Rancourt from Grand Rapids, Mich., is the 18-year-old who captains the team along with sophomore goalie Tricia Farrell of Calais.

The Maine Athletic Conference’s scoring leader is Glenburn’s Christina Rich, the John Bapst High School product who has already found the back of opposing nets 16 times and has also dished out three assists.

“Christina doesn’t give up until the ball is in the net,” said Farrell, who has three shutouts and is surrendering an average of just one goal a game.

Rancourt said Rich “has a nice touch on the ball” and is fearless around the net, often diving full out to get to it.

Farrell and Rancourt said the team jelled from the first practice.

“We started playing [well] together right off the bat,” said Farrell.

Rancourt added that they have established a strong team chemistry.

“We get along on and off the field,” said Rancourt, who added she was “very honored” to be selected by her teammates as a captain.

Rich is joined up front by freshman Emma Apatu in the Clippers’ 3-5-2 alignment.

Rancourt is joined in the central midfield by freshman Stefanie Hannan and veteran Tania Hart. Perry freshman Sara Ricker has racked up four goals and three assists from her outside right midfield spot with freshman Shelley Hayden and sophomore Carolyn Keeman swapping off at outside left midfield.

The three fullbacks are all freshmen: Meejin Moore, Melissa Rudin, and Whiting’s Elizabeth Brissette.

“We finish well, we’re pretty strong in the midfield, and we have a bunch of strong defenders,” said Rancourt.

Farrell added that the team has depth.

“We had a couple players out last weekend, but different players stepped up and came through,” said Farrell.

Both players praised head coach M.J. Ball for his role in their success.

“He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had,” said Rancourt. “He knows a lot. I’m constantly learning new things. We focus on our work but, at the same time, he lets us have fun. And he did a real good job recruiting.”

Farrell agreed, adding, “He lets us go on our own a little. He makes things fun for us, but we know when it’s time to be serious.”

All-NESCAC golfers honored

J.T. Ervin of Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., and Jake Hobart of Colby College in Waterville were among the golfers named to the All-New England Small College Athletic Conference Golf Team.

Ervin, a senior from Cape Elizabeth, was a first-team honoree for the league champion Ephmen. Hobart, a junior from Poway, Calif., earned a spot on the second team.

Williams swept the Outstanding Performer, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year honors.