Upper Perkiomen's field hockey team played the fourth quarter at a furious pace Monday, dictating the action. The team scored once, but couldn't rally for the game-

Abriana Gatto, right, to deliver Upper Perkiomen's first goal agains Boyertown on Monday.

tying goal.

After falling behind in the first half, the Indians couldn't avoid a 3-2 loss to Boyertown in the Pioneer Athletic Conference. According to senior midfielder Sarah Steinman, their energy level needs to be more consistent.

            "We need to come out more ready to play," she said. "Going into some games, we're a little more tired than normal. We need to increase our energy level in practice and in games."

Katelyn Dulin finished with two goals and an assist for the Bears, who led 2-0 at halftime. Peyton Shellaway also scored. Taylor Harvilla added an assist. 

            Ashlyn Gatto and Jade Traynor scored for the Indians (6-3 PAC, 8-4 overall) who have lost two of their last three conference games, including a pair of recent defeats against opponents from the Liberty Division. Emma Lajeunesse recorded seven saves.

            Five days earlier, they lost 2-1 to Methacton, the Liberty Division leader. Steinman scored UP's only goal in the third quarter after falling behind 2-0 at halftime. Lajeunesse stopped 12 shots.  In between, the Tribe rolled to a 7-0 victory over Pottstown. Jade Traynor and Ava Sensany each scored twice on Friday, Sept. 23. Jess Traynor, Kylie Marshall and Marianna Uber each scored once.

            After a scoreless first quarter, the Bears opened the scoring midway through the second. Dulin, a senior forward and midfielder, converted off an assist from Havrilla.

Dulin extended their lead to 2-0. She posted an unassisted goal with 4:22 left in the second quarter. Early in the third quarter, Gatto's goal, off an assist from Jess Traynor pulled the Tribe within 2-1.

            Boyertown regained its two-goal advantage in less than two minutes. Shellaway scored on an assist from Dulin to put the team ahead 3-1.

            Gatto's unassisted goal cut the lead to 3-2. She converted a breakaway on the left wing, eventually beating Bears goalkeeper Sarah Yoders.

            The Tribe cranked up the pressure in the fourth quarter. The team kept the action in front of the Boyertown cage.

            UP earned several penalty corners but couldn't convert. On one corner with less than three minutes remaining, Upper Perkiomen fired four consecutive shots on Yoders.

According to head coach Jamie Warren, the team must learn to avoid early deficits. She described Methacton, Boyertown and Owen J. Roberts – all of whom have defeated Upper Perkiomen this season – as the top teams in the other division and possible opponents in the PAC playoffs.

            "That seems to be our pattern," Warren said of the early deficits. "We need to put together a complete game. We have to figure out how to take control of the game early. We have to prove that we can compete."

            According to Steinman, conference opponents are eager to defeat the Indians, who have won three consecutive championships. She says the proverbial bullseye has increased each season, and the pressure helps to motivate the Indians.

            "We know what we're up against," said Steinman, who lives in the Palm section of Upper Hanover. "We have to be ready for the challenge."