HINGHAM – During much of the past decade, Bishop Feehan has served as the perennial girls soccer team to knock off in Massachusetts. While the Shamrocks were faced with trying circumstances entering this particular season, they kicked things off in their usual manner – victoriously.

Senior captain Amanda Peck played a vital role during two unique plays, each of which led to unconventional goals as Bishop Feehan opened John Scibilia’s tenure as interim coach with a 4-0 shutout of a strong Notre Dame (Hingham) squad.

“I think the moral of the story is that the girls played all 80 minutes,” Scibilia said. “Not a single second less. They played from start to finish, as hard as they possibly could. It really came down to a full team rowing in the same direction the whole time. I think that’s what it really came down to.”

The rumors had been swirling for a few weeks, and became official Tuesday when the MIAA announced that decorated Bishop Feehan girls soccer coach Phil Silva was serving a one-year suspension for alleged recruiting violations. Having served as an assistant at the school for the past few years, Scibilia was given a newfound title leading one of the top squads in the state. First task on the docket? A trip to the South Shore for a difficult matchup.

After shaking off the rust in the initial 10 minutes, Peck and her teammates began to find their usual rhythm. With only moments to go before the half, the University of Miami commit lined up along the sideline for a throw-in, firing a cannon shot into traffic. The ball skipped off a series of Notre Dame defensive players, and inside the post for a stunning own goal as Bishop Feehan (1-0) seized a 1-0 lead at intermission.

Then, later on in the 58th minute, Peck set up for a second throw-in attempt. This time, the senior lofted a toss, forcing the Cougars to overplay defensively. As they retreated, Shamrocks stars Brooke Kennedy and Tia LaBreque pursued. During the chaos, the ball skipped off a foot of a player in front of the net, then rattled off the crossbar and in as the Shamrocks established a 2-0 advantage.

“I have (had plays like that),” laughed Peck. “I do have to give kudos to my co-captain Brooke for the second one. She tapped it in at the last second to make it a goal.”

Meanwhile, Scibilia and his staff erupted in celebration on the sideline.

“With any good team, sometimes luck has to fall your way,” Scibilia said. “That’s what it takes sometimes.”

In the 71st minute, the Shamrocks put things away, as a corner kick attempt soared into the box. Kennedy leaped above the defensive front, perfectly heading a shot into the net to make it 3-0. Shortly thereafter in the 75th minute, Bishop Feehan was awarded a penalty kick, and Neve Taylor was able to convert as her team sealed the deal.

It might be a new chapter for one of the state’s most historic programs, but if Scibilia has his say, he and his players intend on keeping the dynasty going.

“I think I found out the same day that the girls did,” Scibilia said. “We all kind of found out (together). You’re thrust into a role, but I’m just happy to be here for the girls. That’s really all I’m here for. I’m not here to supplant Phil, I’m not here to replace Phil. I’m just here as a proxy for Phil. Until Phil can come back, hopefully next year, I’m just here to do what I can to help the girls.”