Girls’ soccer fell 0-3 to Braintree after a strong defensive fight at home Thursday, Sept. 18. 

Senior Eva Hautefeuille, a captain with seniors Shiaowei Qu and Colleen Walsh, began the game with a strong send up the field, but Braintree quickly retaliated, sending the ball right back and earning a corner kick. Senior defender Grace Marchand was able to clear the ball and pass it up the field to Qu. 

North defense continued their strong presence in the game, with sophomore Annabelle Wardly, the goalie, making countless saves and sending the ball back up the field. 

“Our backline has really begun to step up and use their voice more, which is a hard thing to get to,” said Hautefeuille. 

Following North’s strong defensive efforts, Braintree made a goal, resulting in a 1-0 score by the end of the first half.

“We are a very hardworking group,” said head coach Brian Leighton. “Our work ethic and work rate was definitely one of our highlights.”

Braintree began the second half with the ball and started off strong, quickly scoring on a free kick outside the box. 

The Tigers responded swiftly, with the ball remaining on their offensive end of the field following back-to-back hand balls from Braintree, which earned the Tigers both free kicks and corner kicks. Ultimately, however, North failed to find the back of the net.

“We have so many strong, technical players. We just need to find a way to score,” said Hautefeuille.

The Tigers let up one final goal in the last minute, ending the game 0-3 with Braintree coming out on top. 

The Tigers tied with Concord Carlisle 0-0 Saturday, Sept. 20. The team will face Framingham away Monday, Sept. 29.