SCARBOROUGH — The season opener for the Marshwood High field hockey team proved to be a hats-off performance for Hannah Costin.

Costin, a captain and midfielder, scored three times Thursday to lead the Hawks to a 4-1 victory against Scarborough in an SMAA game.

“She provides a challenge because of the speed factor,” said Scarborough Coach Kerry Mariello.

“We could put as many players on her as we want but if she can outrun us, then we’re in trouble. And that’s exactly what happened.”

In addition to her speed, Costin exhibited a versatile offensive game.

She scored the first goal just over 14 minutes into the game, unleashing a backhanded shot into the net. Her second goal made it 2-0 with just under 10 minutes to go in the half when she dribbled a loose ball through traffic and slipped it in.

Finally, with Marshwood leading 3-1 late in the game, Costin – who had 11 goals in 14 games a year ago – unleashed a powerful drive from just inside 10 yards that flew past the goalkeeper, thudding into the back of the cage.

“She works at it,” said Marshwood Coach Lisa Truesdale. “Extremely hard worker. Very humble. I guarantee if anyone was open she would have passed it. She’s just that kind of player. She sees the game like no one I’ve ever seen before.”

Added Costin: “I can’t really take credit for any of it. It was mostly the forwards. If it wasn’t them touching the ball, it was them moving their defenders for open hits. When I saw the goal, I just whacked it.”

Celine Lawrence scored the other goal for the Hawks after the Red Storm couldn’t clear the ball following a free corner.

Lawrence scored with 22:37 remaining to make it 3-0.

“That was a huge deal,” said Costin. “We knew that if they were to score, we’d still have a two-goal lead. We still tried to continue to play like it was a 0-0 game the entire time.”

While Marshwood did a good job limiting Scarborough’s scoring chances, Lauren Topchik did break through for a goal for the Red Storm with 15:23 remaining to make it 3-1.

Led by senior captain Elaine Bachelder, the Marshwood defensive unit played an impressive game in front of keeper Shannon Giblin.

“Our defense was amazing,” said Costin. “If it wasn’t the defenders, it was our goalie just clearing it out when it was needed. The defense definitely kept their heads in the game and worked together the whole time.”

Added Truesdale: “(Bachelder) definitely has the ability to propel the ball forward and she can carry it up to get us a breather, but it was all of them playing in unison today.

“The whole defensive unit – I expect them to be composed and to keep their sticks down, but I was very pleased with them.”