Suddenly, she has a whole new view of the goal

And with four-year varsity standout AJ Millet now at Harvard University, Raine knew there was a void in net for the Westford Academy girls’ soccer team. Three days prior to the season opener at Tyngsborough, the senior midfielder was asked to step into the net, for the very first time.

“I was so nervous all day at school, I just didn’t want to let the team down,’’ said Raine, recalling the team’s 3-0 win. “I know there’s a lot of pressure and expectations on anyone who is taking AJ’s place, so I just wanted to get in there and do well enough to keep our team in it.’’

Millet left after anchoring the Grey Ghosts’ march to the Division 1 North final last year, in which Westford lost to Dual County League rival Acton-Boxborough. Senior keeper Alyssa Whitcomb was prepared to take over in goal, but during a preseason running drill, she suffered a hamstring injury, prompting coach Tracy Capone to turn to her captains.

“I told them we had a situation; we had no goalie and we needed someone to step up,’’ said Capone. “I gathered the captains a few days before our first game and asked who could step in for Alyssa. Nicole didn’t hesitate. She knew her team needed a goalie, and even though she’s not one, she offered. That’s what makes her a good leader.’’

A 5-foot-5 speedy scorer, Raine has started in the midfield since her freshman year. Senior captain Alexa St. Martin, also a four-year varsity starter, is used to anchoring the offense alongside Raine.

“I’m used to seeing her on the opposite side of the field, ready to pass or shoot,’’ said St. Martin. “Everyone on the field feels like they have to step up, especially because we don’t have a real goalie for a while. I’ve had awesome goalies on my club teams too, maybe not as good as AJ, but it’s important to know you have a goalie back there you trust. I was a little worried about Nicole playing goalie, but she’s done a good job so far.’’

After the Tyngsborough shutout, she was back in goal for a 2-1 victory over Concord-Carlisle.

To allay her anxiety when she first volunteered for net duty, Raine called her former teammate Millet.

“She asked me for some advice and was telling me she was wicked nervous,’’ said Millet with a laugh. “I told her she’d do fine. She’s really fast, agile, and athletic so she’d be fine. Just keep her eye on the ball and don’t try to do anything too crazy. I’m not surprised she stepped up when the team needed her; that’s how she is.’’

Millet, now studying neurobiology, was a two-time Globe All-Scholastic and three-time DCL all-star who led the league with an 0.85 goals against average as a junior.

Studying and playing close to home allows her to keep in touch with her former teammates, who are making the transition to a more aggressive offensive attack.

After utilizing a 4-4-2 set, Capone shifted to a 4-3-3 scheme to push more forwards in scoring position. The change in schemes gives the Ghosts’ pass-based style more options on offense. “We didn’t lose a lot of people on defense, but losing AJ was big,’’ said St. Martin. “Our league is really competitive; every game counts, so everyone has to play better until Alyssa is back in goal and Nicole’s back on the field.’’

A year-round soccer player, St. Martin will play for Georgetown University next season. On her club team and in the Olympic Development Program, she is a defender, giving her a unique perspective on Raine’s situation.

“I’ve never played goalie before. I know I couldn’t do it,’’ said St. Martin. “She’s done well though; she had a really good save against Concord-Carlisle. We just need to hang in there until Alyssa’s back. It’s not how we imagined the season starting, but it’s working for now.’’

With two matchups scheduled against powerhouse Acton-Boxborough, Raine joked about her future prospects.

“Oh my gosh, I hope Alyssa is back before we play Acton,’’ said Raine of the Sept. 30 matchup. “A-B’s the team to beat, and that’s the worst situation I could be in, playing goalie against them and Hayley Brock. It’s a lot harder than I thought. My body is so sore after every game, I can’t believe it. I’m not as scared of diving as before, but I’m getting jealous of all the field players. I can’t wait to get back out there.’’

Sapna Pathak can be reached at sportsgalsp@gmail.com