Catasauqua head field hockey coach Amanda Freiler isn’t disappointed by her team’s slow start.

“We’re off to a rough start,” admitted Freiler. “We lost our first two games to Palmerton (3-0) and Salisbury (8-1). However, after each game we have made little changes and improvements.”

The Rough Riders finished last season with an overall 5-13-1 record, but they did qualify for a district playoff berth. They suffered a 4-1 defeat to Pen Argyl in the opening round.

It was their third consecutive trip to the postseason. They dropped a 1-0 decision again to Pen Argyl the previous season, and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Moravian Academy three seasons ago.

Losing their leading scorer and other seniors from last year’s squad, Freiler realized her team would need to fill some holes and rely on her present players to utilize their experience from last season.

Freiler has looked to senior goalie Lizzy Bass for her leadership, and freshman Ava Snyder has been a surprise.

“Bass is an absolute beast in that cage,” said Freiler. “She is fearless and hungry to keep that ball out of our goal.

“Snyder has stood out. With her speed and stick handling skills, she has earned her spot as a starter, and just scored her first high school goal in the game against Salisbury.”

Bass, who has surpassed 500 career saves, has an optimistic outlook for her club.

“I think the start of our season is looking good,” beamed Bass. “Although our first two games haven’t been in our favor, the team has shown tremendous improvement.

“I feel like I’m back at home in my cage. And I feel confident in myself and my team for this season. We are seeing great work in our front line from freshmen Ava Snyder. She has great speed as well as skills and got her first varsity goal against Salisbury.”

The Roughies have a busy week ahead with games against Wilson, Moravain Academy, and Pen Argyl. Freiler believes her team can make the necessary adjustments, especially her underclassmen.

“Our younger girls are adapting well,” stressed Freiler. “I have a lot of confidence that we are going to find a victory really soon. I am hoping to win at least two of those three games.”