By ALEX SPONSELLER The Pilgrim field hockey team dropped a tough 1-0 decision on the road against Lincoln on Monday evening.

The Lions came out aggressive in the first half and would get their lone goal with less than three minutes remaining before the break on a breakaway.

Pilgrim came out faster in the second half and pushed the pace in the final minutes. The Pats forced a corner and had multiple breakaways attempts, however, came up empty handed as the Lions held them off for the victory.

“They had some good defense. We had some good opportunities but just couldn't put it in. Especially toward the end of the second half. We had a corner, played well in the circle, we just couldn't find the back on the net. It was one of those games, it could have gone either way,” said Pilgrim coach Stephanie Shields after the loss.

Shields added: “We adjusted at halftime and talked about things that we needed to improve on. Really working to get to the ball. It was tough playing on turf, this is their home field, it took some time for us to get used to that. We made changes in how we approached the play, not necessarily with positions, just how we were going about playing.”

Each goalie came up with key saves throughout the match and in the second half. Shields was proud of sophomore goalie Colby Lavoie for her performance.

“Colby played great. It was a 1-on-1 when they scored and that’s tough on a goalie. I thought our goalie played equally as well. At the beginning, the speed of the game was difficult for us to get used to but as the game went on we adjusted,” said Shields, who was pleased with the club’s all around defense. “Our defense is really standing tough and Colby is just a sophomore. She’s playing very well. We have other kids that are less experienced in varsity that have been stepping in to fill some shoes from last year. I told them, ‘You can’t be upset with a 1-0 game. It’s not great to lose, but we moved up a division and played well.’”

Pilgrim will now take on Rocky Hill on Saturday. It will be a must-win game in order for the Pats to have a chance to secure the last spot in the Division II playoffs.

“For us to be in this position, especially considering the move up from Division III, I couldn’t be prouder of the girls. On Saturday, it’s more of the same. Playing hard, playing fast, using our speed and making good decisions. It will take all of those things to win,” said Shields.