The Cranston co-op field hockey team fell in the Division II Quarterfinals 3-0 last week against Lincoln to see its season come to a close.

The host Lions jumped out a 2-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Cranston defense would shut them down until late in the fourth. Although the Cranston defense rebounded, the offense struggled to gain any momentum and failed to get a goal.

“I think we were just getting our footing and settled into the game. Once we did, the girls got back into control on the defensive end. We just had trouble getting up the field. They’ve got a great defense, they’ve got a great team and we’ve struggled against them all year. Of the three times we’ve played them, this was our best game, so I am very proud of the girls. They played their hearts out,” said Cranston coach Matt Davis.

Cranston won its preliminary round game against Bay View in a 2-0 decision. Aria Lee and Ella Johnsen would score the co-op’s two goals in the win. It was the program’s first playoff victory in more than two decades.

Davis was proud of his club, which overcame a number of hurdles to reach the playoffs including being bitten by the injury bug in the middle of the season.

“If you asked me at the beginning of the season if we’d make the second round of the playoffs, I would have laughed at you. Our girls worked their butts off, finishing 6-9-2, that’s a great season for these girls. They won a playoff game last week which was the first time in over 20 years. They should be very proud of themselves,” said Davis.

The team will be saying bye to eight seniors but will be returning a large core of underclassmen. Replacing the leadership positions will be the key moving forward according to Davis.

“I’m looking forward to coming back next year. We are losing eight seniors so there will be a void to fill. They are all leaders and have been fantastic. Hopefully the underclassmen coming back will fill that leadership role and we will be even better.”