Girls’ hockey fell to Needham in a heartbreaking 3-1 loss Saturday, Jan. 11. Despite the defeat, the team showcased strong tenacity and inspiring positivity throughout the game.

“I make sure we are always very energized and committed to working together as a team,” said senior Ellie Fahey, a captain along with senior Mady Daley. 

Only 42 seconds into the first period, South freshman Gabby Staz scored the first goal assisted by freshman Willa Hanson and junior Audrey Welstead, starting the game on a hopeful note.

Although the Tigers had many shots on Needham’s net, they were not able to convert again in the first period. Needham found the back of the net shortly after, resulting in a 1-1 score. 

According to head coach Rebecca Fleming, the Tigers started strong but their playing was inconsistent throughout the game. “We had some parts of the game where we played well, and we had some parts when we did not,” she added.

North was able to keep the game tied in the second period, with the score remaining 1-1.

“Our effort was good,” said Fleming. “We came out strong and scored early, which is important for us, but we need to be able to keep that offensive momentum going.”

In the midst of battling for another goal, Needham was able to slip the puck past the Tigers’ defense in the third period.

“We need to work on being more consistent,” said Fleming. “Our effort is always there but at times we lose focus on executing our systems.”

According to Fleming, the team will focus more on staying aggressive and keeping its momentum in future games.

Needham scored again late in the third period, resulting in a disappointing 3-1 loss for the Tigers.

North, 4-5-1, fell to Milton, then went on a four-game win streak defeating Framingham, Newburyport, Marblehead, and Walpole. The Tigers will face Belmont at home Monday, Jan. 27.