With the PIAA field hockey tournaments nearing a close, a number of area teams are still fighting for a state championship. But for many, the season ended weeks ago.

Salisbury's 2014 campaign came to a close against one of those squads vying for state gold. The Falcons' 7-1 loss back on October 8 against Moravian Academy cemented a 3-13 record. But while the wins were few and far between for Meredith Makoul, the first-year head coach watched her team grow until that final whistle against Moravian over a month ago.

"There were some games that we gave up and didn't play to our potential," Makoul said, "but overall I think the girls played well and they played tough. Some games we could have given up and let the other teams run up the score, but they didn't. Even when they could have hung their heads, they stayed in the game. I truly believed that there were some games when we surprised the other teams with our ability and our fight."

It may not be a staggering win-loss record for the Falcons, but visible progress was seen this season. The Falcons' three wins in the Colonial League were the highest since 2005 when Salisbury also won three games. Makoul was a sophomore on that team. A year prior, the Falcons went 9-4-1 and just missed out on a league playoff spot.

"It was amazing to be a part of a team that was hardworking and very talented," Makoul said of her playing days. "That being said, I also was a senior on a losing team, and I remember the frustration and awful feelings that came with a losing season.

"There was a shift this season. It may have been small, but it happened and feels amazing. The girls could have fallen into the same routine and accepted defeat, but they didn't. They may have only won three games, but in my eyes, they won so much more."

Following a rough stretch to begin the season at 0-8, the Falcons overcame a number of injuries and an adjustment period with its new players from Central Catholic to finish the season on a solid note.

In its final eight games, Salisbury earned three victories among league competition (Wilson, Northwestern and Palmerton). Two of those five losses were by three goals or less.

"The girls played well the first game," Makoul said. "They looked like a different team than in the past, and then we got stuck in a mental game. One loss led to another, and then we got sucked back into the negative thoughts. About halfway through the season the girls began to believe in themselves. They began pushing the ball up the field, using more passes and dodges."

With the addition of seven Central Catholic players, Salisbury started three freshmen and one sophomore this season. The team also included 13 juniors, setting up a roster for the future that saw plenty of experience already.

"Having this early experience can only benefit them and the team, and help them improve," Makoul said. "We did have 13 juniors on the team this past season. Not all of them got varsity playing time, but most of them were able to experience some playing time. More younger players means more competitiveness. These young players work hard and that is what we need in order to continue moving forward."

Seniors Meghan Williams (first-team at goalie) and Olivia Werkheiser (honorable mention at forward) were two Colonial League all-stars Salisbury had this season. Both have been key pieces in helping start the turnaround process.

"She [Williams] is aggressive and has good game sense," Makoul said. "In the beginning of the season, one of her weaknesses was one-on-ones. She worked hard and by the end of the season she mastered them.

"Olivia has always been a strong player, but I would say she is probably our most improved player. She was all over the field in a good way. She was where she needed to be at all times."