For the Catasauqua girls’ soccer team, it was about getting to the next level.

That didn’t necessary involve wins and losses, but it was about effort.

The sixth-seeded Roughies stunned third-seeded Tri-Valley, 3-2, in the opening round of districts, but they then suffered a hard-fought, 1-0 defeat to second-seeded Moravian Academy in the semifinals. It was Catty’s first win in district play since 2007 when they eventually advanced to the state finals.

“It was a tight game,” said Catasauqua head coach Chris Hain of the Moravian game. “We came out and strong in the opening half, and we really played well in the second half. We just came up a little bit short and it was really close.”

Hain watched his team play soundly throughout the year, but he did note a three-game drought in which they were scoreless.

Instead, he saw a relatively steady flow.

“I didn’t see a turning point for the season,” said Hain. “These girls never gave up. We played as hard as we could all year. We had some injuries and we were still pretty consistent all season. This was about effort and not wins.

“They stayed together as a team on and off the field. It was important to get together off the field with breakfasts, pasts dinners and other things. It brought us closer.”

The Roughies will lose seniors Haley Baez, Allanah George, Amy Huber, Trinity Kern, and Taylor Richards. Junior goalie Madison Hicks received First Team Colonial League Honors.

“The seniors leave some big shoes to fill behind,” said Hain. “Our seniors were very good players. Some of the younger girls will have to do that.”

Hain, who finished his first year at the helm, plans to invest more time in the youth programs. With a solid year behind him, Hain is really to build a foundation.

“Since this was my first year, I had all of my focus on the high school team,” said Hain. “It is definitely something that I want to get more involved with.

“I want to get more involved with the middle school and the CAA. We need to build on that phase for the future.”