Heading into the last three games of the league season with a record of 1-1-4, the Falcon field hockey team is hoping their increased efforts will translate into wins in the remaining five games.

The girls’ season so far has been full of ups and downs because of the loss of top players Tina Miller, Hannah Leonard, Rachel Davey and Emily Chen to graduation last spring.

Because of the poor air conditions caused by the fires in the North Bay, the team’s games against Los Altos on Oct. 11 and Cupertino on Oct. 13 were postponed.

The team came out of a tough 10-0 loss against three time repeating CCS champions, Los Gatos, on Oct. 6. Despite their efforts, the Falcons could not get past the Cats’ team strong teamwork and incessant compression of the midfield.

Before that, however, the team earned its first win of the season at home against Monta Vista on Oct. 4 by the score of 3-0. The team worked together to break down the Matadors’ defense with two assists from senior captain Kate Bossi.

“We’ve improved an incredible amount since the beginning of the season creating a lot of hope for the rest of the season,” Bossi said. “Coming out of our first win we have a huge confident boost and I’m hoping we can bring that to the remaining games and end our final season strongly.”

Despite their losing record, players say they’re working well together and enjoying the season.

“The difference between this season and last is the bond,” Bossi said. “This year, it took time, but we finally all started to get close despite the age gap with most of the team being sophomores. We all love and value each other, and we get along despite any struggles we’ve had so far.”

With three games left in the season, the girls are hoping to end strongly, especially on their senior night against Lynbrook on Oct. 25.

As most of the team has only played field hockey for two years, experience will improve as will teamwork, sophomore captain Hannah Beine said.

“I think we are doing as well [as we can] because there are fewer experienced players [as we have no substitutes],” Beine said. “As a captain I have learned that leading by example is sometimes just as powerful as being loud on the field. To improve in future seasons I can continue trying to keep everyone's intensity up and try to make sure that they continue to love the game and put in the work needed.”

Due to printing deadlines, the Falcon could not cover the team’s final games against Homestead, Lynbrook and Monta Vista on Oct. 18, 25 and 27 in this print edition.