The best thing for a good team to do after a loss is get right back to competition.

After the Northwestern girls soccer team suffered its first loss of the season Friday, the Lady Tigers were fortunate to have a Saturday morning game to shake off the loss.

Northwestern did just that in beating Liberty 4-0 Saturday in New Tripoli.

“I was real happy that we weren’t ending the week on [Friday’s] result because we had been playing so well,” said Northwestern head coach Kelly Bleam. “A lot of factors go into having a bad game and I wanted the girls to know we could bounce back from things like that and we don’t have to be disappointed and discouraged.

“I was really pleased they came out [Saturday] and played the way that they played. They were all in. They did their jobs so well [Saturday]. I’m really proud of the girls for bouncing back mentally and emotionally more than anything else.”

Northwestern opened the scoring on Jess Williamson’s unassisted goal less than five minutes into the game. It was her first of the season.

“Everyone tells me I don’t shoot enough so I guess I just took the opportunity when I had it,” said the junior center midfielder. “It’s less about how much I score. As long as the team’s winning I’m happy.”

A pair of second-half goals from sophomore Sara Hathaway gave the Tigers a 3-0 lead with 23:49 remaining in the game. Maggie Motolese capped the scoring with 3:22 left in the contest.

Abby Chisdak, Motolese and Emily Renner had assists on the second-half goals.

The Tigers improved to 8-1 overall with the win. They improved to 5-1 in Colonial League play with Tuesday’s win over Moravian Academy. Most importantly they turned that 3-1 loss to Southern Lehigh last Friday into a positive.

“I told the girls that sometimes a game like that is the best thing that can happen to a team that’s 8-0,” said Bleam. “We need a reality check once in a while and we got one yesterday.

“It made us realize that it’s not just going to happen. They are the reason it happens.”

“I’m really proud of us,” said Chisdak after Saturday’s win. “We came back stronger than we’ve ever played. This is probably our best game. We possessed the ball really well and we’ve been working on that a lot.”

Chisdak is one of several players that has played several positions this season as Bleam is still testing different combinations. Chisdak is listed on the roster as a forward/defender.

“We all just want to play wherever it’s best for the team,” she said. “Not one puts up a big stink because they want to play a position. They just go out there and do their best.”

Saturday Chisdak played next to veteran defender Emily Renner and they helped keepr McKenna Amey post a shut out while also helping get the attack started from the back.

“Abby played in the back today and she and Emily Renner are just amazing,” said Belam. “Their leadership in the back and their play was absolutely exceptional today.”

The Tigers seem to have a talented backfield year in and year out. Williamson said it all starts with one experienced player who takes a leadership role.

“We’ve always had a strong back as long as I can remember,” said Williamson. “Every year we start with one very strong defender that takes everyone else under their wing, teaches them, talks to them throughout the game. This year that’s Emily Renner for us. She’s always talking and telling everyone where they need to be in a positive voice.”

The Tigers will be back in action Thursday when they play at undefeated Salisbury at 7 p.m.