Field hockey lost 1-5 in a valiant struggle against the Natick Redhawks despite playing with consistent effort, Monday, Sept. 8, at home. 

The Tigers kept a tight back line, and the offense and midfield worked together to create passing lanes and opportunities to make their way up the field.

PEHW teacher Lauren Baugher, the head coach, said, “I thought our defense played really well. Sophie Chapman, Ashlyn Baugher, and Brianna Arzuaga all did a really nice job.” 

After Natick missed a penalty in the first quarter, the Redhawks quickly made their way up the field again, scoring in the fifth minute after an admirable fight from North’s defense.

According to senior Abbie Seeley, a captain with senior Alexis Blanchfield, the Tigers proved themselves as junior Juliette Winston, goalie, and the defense demonstrated their talent in a succession of quick saves towards the end of the first quarter.

Seeley added, “We played really well as a team. It was great to see everything we work on during practice come together on the field.”

The second quarter was a more evenly matched fight between Newton and Natick than the first quarter, and the ball stayed by the halfway line much more than it previously had. 

After a beautiful passing line up the left side of the field, the Tigers gained a penalty corner, which resulted in a goal from sophomore forward Willa Hanson.

Despite the final score, Baugher was proud of the team. “I thought today we played the best we’ve played all year,” she said. “I was really pleased, because Natick is a really good team, so I was really happy with how we did.”

Natick scored off a penalty at the beginning of the third quarter, and eight minutes later, the team scored again. 

The succession of goals didn’t discourage the Tigers and the team had two quick, impressive saves. However, in the last twenty seconds, another Natick penalty gave the team its 4-1 lead.

Seeley added, “For the next game, I’m excited to string more passes and plays together to get more shots on net.”

North had a strong start to the fourth quarter, fighting hard against Natick’s consistent pressure. The Tigers had multiple breakaways and goal-scoring opportunities, although no players tipped the scales in the Tigers’ favor.

The Redhawks controlled the ball, and two goals trickled into the Tigers’ goal with just minutes left in the game.

Blanchfield added, “My overall goal for the season is to become a more confident team. We’re a very young team with a lot of sophomores, and since we are somewhat inexperienced as a whole team, we lack some of the confidence that older teams have.” 

Baugher also attributed some of the team’s success in their fourth quarter breakaways to Blanchfield and Seeley’s leadership. 

The Tigers, 0-4-2, fell to Brookline Wednesday, Sept. 10 and lost to Andover Saturday, Sept. 13. The team will face Braintree at home on Monday.