The Parkland field hockey team had its chances, but it wasn't able to capitalize on them. It only took one from Northampton to send the Trojans home 1-0 in the District 11 quarterfinal last Saturday afternoon at Northampton high school.

Hallie Muffley scored off a pass from Makenna Marhefka in the first half, and the Konkrete Kids held on to eliminate Parkland (11-7-2). It is the third straight year the Trojans have fallen in the quarterfinal round.

"I don't know what it is about this round, but we can't seem to figure out how to get out of it," said Parkland head coach Michelle Steele.

Parkland had 11 days between the Northampton game and its last game, which came against Emmaus in the conference playoffs. But rust was not an issue.

"We scrimmaged two good teams in Moravian Academy and Southern Lehigh on Wednesday and Thursday," said Steele. "It's tough to lose. We were missing two starting defensive backs because of injury. We just didn't have the depth, but the kids still fought hard, and the future looks bright."

The Trojans outshot the Konkrete Kids 12-6, and had a late flurry in the second half in front of Northampton's goal, but just couldn't seem to find the break-through goal.

"We came out strong in the second half and had a lot of opportunities," said Steele. "Unfortunately we couldn't capitalize on them."

Even after Muffley's goal with about four minutes to go until halftime, Parkland was not down and out. The Trojans came out fighting in the second half.

"The shots just didn't go our way today," said Steele. "Sometimes it happens like that and it's just unfortunate. The kids worked hard and it was a good season overall."

Parkland loses a successful senior class, with Avery Semler and Hannah Pany moving on to play collegiately. But Steele will welcome back a strong group in 2015.

"The seniors were great leaders this year for a young team," Steele stated. "We have a good group of young players coming back. I'm really proud of how the girls played this year."

One of those underclassmen, sophomore Grace Royer, tallied a team-high 32 points with 13 goals and 6 assists. Brynn Lansenderfer accumulated 12 points on 6 goals. Freshman goalie Brie Barraco made 6 saves against Northampton (13-7 overall).