AUBURN — Thirty-six straight conference victories and the graduation of almost every player who played an integral role in that run only feel like they happened a hundred years ago.

In reality, the Saint Dominic Academy boys’ lacrosse team had only tasted defeat five times since the end of that streak less than a month ago. And if Friday’s performance against Mt. Blue High School was any indication, the Saints’ mystique is far from dormant and their cupboard isn’t bare.

St. Dom’s scored 10 unanswered goals out of the gate in the first 16 minutes and cruised to the 15-1 Eastern Class B victory, its first of the campaign.

“I think this is one that we really felt that we had a chance to win. I mean, we go into every game optimistic, of course, but this is one we knew we had to win,” St. Dom’s coach Andy MacIsaac said.

Only four seniors suit up for the Saints, but each one left an impression on the Cougars (1-7).

Dalton Lorenz scored four goals and added two assists, while Nick Hatfield tallied twice and set up five. Adam Fogg and Cody Moen anchored the defense in front of freshman goaltender Alex Michaud, who made 10 saves.

Connor Rouillard registered the lone goal for Mt. Blue with 2:54 remaining in the first half.

“We graduated 10 seniors last year. We lost two more guys to baseball. So we took out most of our players and we’re starting all new,” Hatfield said. “These guys are starting to get up to speed. They’re starting to figure out what high school lacrosse is all about.”

Hatfield had a stake in the Saints’ first five goals.

He was left unchallenged on a pass from freshman Ryan Lutrzykowski and cashed in 51 seconds into the game. Hatfield then assisted St. Dom’s next four strikes by Lorenz, Kenton Ernst, Matt Dyer and Brendan Donovan.

Lorenz was a repeat offender only five seconds after Donovan’s goal to give the Saints a 6-0 lead after one quarter.

St. Dom’s hasn’t exactly been a pushover during this rebuilding process. The Saints stayed within three goals of both Camden Hills and Maranacook/Winthrop, each owning a winning record.

“We’ve had moments of brilliance surrounded by moments of muddled confusion,” MacIsaac said. “Today was the first time we pretty consistently clicked throughout the whole game.”

Lorenz and Matt Chasse each scored in the first minute of the second period before MacIsaac pulled back on the reins, instructing his team to make at least three passes before taking any additional shots.

That didn’t stop Hatfield and Dyer from finding the net ahead of Rouillard’s breakthrough for the Cougars.

Hatfield sensed that the Saints were about to break out of their funk.

“We had a couple good practices in a row and got our confidence up,” he said.

Dakota Williams made five saves for the Cougars, whose grit and persistence were demonstrated by the fact that they ultimately outshot the Saints, 29-27.

It was no match for St. Dom’s accuracy. Ernst, Dyer and Chasse each delivered two goals. Brady Whetzel and Adam Vining also got into the scoring column.

How big was the win? St. Dom’s leapfrogged Mt. Blue in the Heal Point standings and moved into a tie with Lincoln for the eighth and final playoff spot. And the Saints will play both Lincoln (1-5) and Mountain Valley (0-6) next week.

“We want at least three more wins, hopefully make it into the playoffs and try to upset somebody,” Hatfield said.

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