The Zephyr field hockey team's quest for a district title was dashed last Saturday by a band of Slaters.

Heading into the opening round of the District XI tournament, the Zephs knew that playing Bangor Area High School would present some challenges. First, the Slaters were at home and on grass, a surface that tempers the Zephs speed. They were also playing a team that racked up 18 wins, and boasted a number of all-stars that could change the outcome with one swing.

Still, the Zephs were battled scarred from a tough Lehigh Valley Conference schedule and were anxious to get underway and try to fulfill one of their goals.

But when Olivia Fraunfelter scored with 10:37 remaining, the Zephs couldn't get the equalizer and lost 2-1.

The loss ends their season, marking a string of losses down the stretch, succumbing to Parkland, Emmaus and Bangor during that span. They finished the year 12-8.

Head coach Emily Repsher said that that initially the team stayed aggressive, striking first on a goal Molly Graveno off a corner. That tally was assisted by Sarah Schannauer.

"We came out strong," said Repsher. "We looked good."

However, Repsher said that when they received a yellow card late in the half which put them down a player, the pendulum swung a bit. That disadvantage possibly rattled them a bit, opening the door for the tying score when Slater Lauren Zengulis scored with 1:25 left.

That momentum swing heading into the half may have helped the Slaters regain some focus, especially since they were coming off a tough loss to Moravian Academy in the Colonial League Championship.

In such a tightly fought game, Repsher said it boiled down to missed chances.

"We weren't able to capitalize on our scoring opportunities," said Repsher. "We had some action in front of the cage, but we couldn't put the ball in the back of the cage."

She said the players just couldn't connect when their backs were against the wall. They tried to rally and send the game into overtime, but the Slaters defense and all-star goalie Casey Keifer shut the door.

While they knew Bangor was a tough opponent, Repsher thought they may have been looking forward to a rematch with Emmaus in the next round.

"Maybe we took them too lightly," she said.

The defense played well, with Emily Graveno registering nine saves.

With the season finished for the Zephs, they'll assess the season and look forward to bouncing back in 2013.