Girls’ soccer fell 1-2 in a close fight with the Natick Redhawks Thursday, Sept. 11. According to senior Shiaowei Qu, a captain along with seniors Eva Hautefeuille and Colleen Walsh, entering the fall season, the team has set its sights on a deep State Tournament run. According to sophomore Alina Yeung, the Tigers stayed solid when faced with the Redhawks, formidable opponents who entered last year’s State Tournament as the 1-seed. 

“We put pressure on the ball, found our defensive shape, and played aggressively on and off the ball,” said Yeung. 

After Natick scored on North early in the first quarter, the Tigers dribbled the ball up the field with renewed motivation and effort. Senior Grace Marchand scored a goal, bringing the game to a 1-1 tie at the end of the second quarter. 

“This season, I’m excited to have a great team environment on and off the field,” said Walsh. 

Throughout the game, North’s goalie, sophomore Annabelle Wardly, had many spectacular dives to save the ball. 

“I felt it was the most productive game of our three games we’ve had thus far. We’ve been putting a lot of work into defensive organization, closing down space quickly but also covering spaces quickly,” said head coach Brian Leighton.

In the middle of the second half, Natick scored, pulling ahead 2-1. North came back with aggression, with notable performances by Hautefeuille, Qu, Yeung, and senior Bella Mangada. 

“I think today we brought high energy, and we will continue building on that intensity for the next game,” said Qu. 

The Tigers beat Brookline, Tuesday, Sept. 16 and fell to Braintree at home, Thursday, Sept. 18. They will face Concord-Carlisle away Saturday, Sept. 20.