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The field hockey team dropped to 2–1 Wednesday afternoon, losing 5–1 in a hard-fought game against the undefeated Wootton Patriots (4–0).

The team got off to a hot start when forward Elsa Bjornlund scored a goal in the opening moments of the game.

But Wootton responded immediately with a goal of their own. Wootton rode the momentum after that, controlling the game on defense and piling on four more goals to top off their victory.

“We started off well, but they got a few lucky goals and we had a hard time recovering and getting the ball out of the zone,” Bjornlund said.

Many noted the difference between Wootton’s field and the Whitman field.

“They had an advantage on us because playing on turf, where they play, and playing on grass, where we play, is very different,” forward Caroline Triay said.  “It’s a whole different game on turf.”

Even though the Vikes lost to a quality opponent, they had a lot of positives to take out of an intense rivalry game.

“Even though they scored five goals, we managed to stay very strong in the defensive zone,” Bjornlund said.  “Our defense and our goalie Cami [Stenger] were really strong and fought off a ton of their scoring opportunities.”

The team hosts the WJ Wildcats (1–1) Monday at 7:15.

Disclosure: Elsa Bjornlund is a copy editor for the Black & White.