The field hockey team shutout the 7-8 Paint Branch Panthers 4-0 in its first playoff game Oct. 25, avenging a 5-2 defeat in the regular season.

Despite a slow start in the opening minutes of the game, the Vikes quickly picked up their energy as defender Lauren Rhea scored their first goal early in the half. Attack Allie Boyan scored contributed to the Vikes’ lead, making the score 2-0 at the end of the half.

The Vikes doubled their score in the second half with goals by attack Hannah Niles and midfielder Krishna Jaitly.

The offense matched the Panthers’ strength with meticulous stick skills and on-par passing.

“They were a big hitting team,” Jaitly said. “Our offense did a good job of containing the ball inside of their fifty despite huge drives.”

The defense moved with quick feet, acting like a wall protecting their half of the field. The Panthers had trouble breaching the Vikes’ defense, getting only three shots on goal, Jaitly said.

The team will move on to challenge the undefeated 15-0 Sherwood Warriors in the regional semi-finals Oct. 29 at Walter Johnson.