The Lakeland High School field hockey team had a tough schedule last week and ended up falling short against two significant Southeastern District powers in the form of Hickory High School and Grassfield High School.

“We didn’t play our best hockey this week,” Lady Cavaliers coach Cortney Parker said. “We were just struggling offensively, getting the ball in the net.”

The host Lady Hawks defeated Lakeland 3-2 on Monday.

“They just finished, and we didn’t,” Parker said. “My defense played well. It was a pretty evenly-matched game. We had opportunities.”

Hickory scored all of its goals in the first half, taking a 3-1 lead at halftime.

Lady Cavs senior Stasha Waterfield scored in the first half, and senior Shannon Leonard made it 3-2 with 14:03 remaining in the second half.

The Lady Hawks finished with seven offensive penalty corners, while Lakeland had three.

Senior Ariel Salerno worked in goal during the first half for Lakeland, recording five saves, and junior Deleah Scott took over in the second half, registering six saves.

Finishing was again the problem for Lakeland on Wednesday against the visiting Lady Grizzlies, who won 2-0.

The Lady Cavaliers actually had twice as many offensive penalty corners as Grassfield, 8-4, but could not capitalize on them.

Lakeland (5-3) hosts Indian River High School on Monday, visits Nansemond River High School on Wednesday and visits Poquoson High School on Friday evening at 7 p.m.