When Haleigh Toto’s free kick slid under the crossbar to cut Tamaqua’s lead to a goal at Thomas Field last Saturday morning, it seemed like the spark the Roughs needed to pull out the come-from-behind victory.

They had been consistently knocking on the door late in the second half, and Toto’s goal, her second of the game, pulled them within one as the Raiders now clung to a 3-2 lead.

Toto’s goal at the 9:38 mark gave the Roughs some life, and now they were looking to score the equalizer against a strong Tamaqua team who were 10-4 coming into the contest. As the final minutes unfolded, Catty mounted a good charge and had the visitors on their heels, but ultimately couldn’t break through with a goal to send it into overtime.

With the loss the girls are now 5-9 on the season.

Head coach Chris Hain said that they played well at times, but they needed to be more consistent throughout the full 80 minutes.

“I thought we left a little bit out on the field,” said Hain.

Hain beloved the outcome may have been different if they could have matched the intensity they showed late in the game.

Injuries also forced him to put players in positions that they weren’t used to, and that impacted the game as well.

“That plays a part in it too when girls are unsure of the position that they’re playing, and that causes a little bit of hesitation,” he said.

It was a game where they had opportunities, especially in that second half. They got shots on goal by midfielder Kaylee Weidaw who played a solid two-way game, as well as Emma Hawk.

Goalkeeper Madison Hicks was steady between the posts for the Roughs. She was aggressive all morning against the Raiders, coming out to challenge shooters, as well as making saves between the posts to keep her team in the game.

Saturday’s loss marked the fourth time they’ve lost by a goal this season. Hain said that they’ve been strong against the bigger schools like Bangor and Saucon Valley.

“We’ve been competitive all year and I’m proud of the girls for that,” Hain said.

As it stands right now, the Roughs sit in the fifth spot among the 1A teams in District XI. They have three more games remaining. Hain said that could use another win to bolster their chances of qualifying for the district tourney.

Catasauqua Goal Keeper Maddy Hicks made 25 saves Monday but the girls lost to Northwestern 4-0 on Monday.

Jenna Conthert, Kylie Zentz, Kayla Bardonner and Katie Browing all scored goals for the Tigers.