In a hard fought game, Viking's field hockey lost 5-0 on home turf against Martha's Vineyard Regional High School Wednesday, Sept. 18.

While field hockey is normally played with 11 players per side, head coach Veronica DeBonise said the team has just 10 players. Therefore the game was played 10 on 10 and "that's how it'll probably be for the rest of the season," she said.

Despite this challenge, DeBonise is proud of how her team performed and the way they responded in the face of adversity.

"I actually felt like we played a good game," said DeBonise. "I think there was a lot of talk on the field and I think my girls kept it under control pretty well and had maintained very positive attitudes."

DeBonise noted some important takeaways for her team.

"No matter what's going on around you, just do your best and have sportsmanship," she said.

The team has some standout players, she noted.

"Even though we haven't won yet I feel like we have some very strong players on the team," said DeBonise. "It's an 11 person game so they can't win it but Ava Brogioli, Lain Potter and Samantha Bumpus have continued to do a great job."

The Vikings haven’t brought home a win in the five games they’ve played this season, but DeBonise continues to look for improvements in her players and herself.

"I do see some improvement," said DeBonise. "I know for me as a coach, I'm feeling the lineup a little bit better now and understanding where our strength is."

The Vikings host Old Rochester Regional High School Friday Sept, 20 at 3:30 p.m.