Rest is not always the best ingredient for success. The Parkland field hockey team found that out last Saturday morning at Parkland high school.

It was nine days since the Trojans last played in the Lehigh Valley Conference finals against Emmaus on Thursday, October 17, and it showed with some early rust.

What also didn't help was being hit with the injury bug and inexperience.

"All season long we've been dealing with injuries," said head coach Michelle Steele. "Today I had four starters out and played four freshmen. It's also tough when you're not playing competitively for a while. That's not an excuse, but you could tell once the whistle blew they (Nazareth) were ready."

Nazareth tallied two early first-half goals and was the more threatening team all game as the number five seed Blue Eagles took down the number four seed Trojans 3-1 in the District 11 Class AAA quarterfinals.

"They just came out full-steam ahead," said Steele. "They showed up ready."

It was the second season in a row in which Parkland (13-8) was defeated in the quarterfinals of the district tournament. Last year, the Trojans were the number seven seed and fell to number two seed Stroudsburg, 2-0.

Coming off the appearance in the LVC finals, Parkland was the favorite to advance to a rematch with Emmaus in the semifinals.

But the Blue Eagles reveled in the role of the underdog. Emily Meade and Allyson Stitzer scored within four minutes of each other midway through the first half to give Nazareth an early 2-0 lead. The Blue Eagles outshot Parkland 13-7 over the course of the contest, and held much of the possession.

The Trojans got on the scoreboard with a little over eight minutes until halftime. Brooke Sherwin took a corner for Parkland and gave a low pass to Hannah Pany.

Pany then gave it right back to Sherwin, who took a few dribbles and hit a low line drive shot past Megan Gangaware (five saves), to bring the Trojans back to life and in the game.

But the second half was more of the same. The Blue Eagles put pressure on Sydney Cope's (9 saves) goal early and often. With the ball laying on the goal line after a Cope save, Catherine Buczek was there to tap it home for the 3-1 lead.

Steele lamented on the great season they had, but is excited for what she has coming back for next year.

"Next year is our year," added Steele.

"We're returning seven starters. I told our juniors after the game that I'm giving you control of the team. They have been our strong class for a while now. I have complete confidence in them."