Taft JV Girls took the long trek to Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) on a pleasant but windy Wednesday afternoon. The wind was especially problematic in the first half, when NMH had it at their backs while Taft had the sun in their eyes. The home team used the conditions to their advantage with two quick long-ball goals. Taft struggled to gain control of the ball and too often gave possession easily away. As a result, they struggled to gain any momentum and played deeper the longer the half wore on. Despite this, Taft were often a threat on the counterattack but were unable to find the back of the net. Before the half was through, Taft conceded another goal and also lost wingback Jane Hempel to an ankle injury. It was a tough first-half for the away team who went into the break with a three-goal deficit. Taft came out with more intent in the second-half and, finally playing with the wind behind them, strung together better opportunities. Despite this, they still struggled to find passing combinations and, so, were unable to maintain periods of pressure on NMH. Emma Weitzel was a rock at the back and read the game extremely well, but Taft, in general, simply struggled to find their feet. With nothing to lose, the away team threw on more forwards with ten minutes to go and, with just 30 seconds left in the game, finally scored a well-deserved goal through a neat finish from Emma Bernard. The game ended 3-1 to NMH. Though the score did not flatter NMH, Taft will leave the game feeling they could have done more but, ultimately just couldn’t get things to click. Nevertheless, the coaches are proud of the team, who are young and learning and continue to fight until the final whistle blows.