In recent years, the Salisbury field hockey team has struggled finding the back of the net.

But under first-year head coach Jane Brennan, Salisbury is finding more opportunities offensively. And it has resulted to a quicker start to the season than in recent years.

Salisbury is currently 1-3 in the early going of the fall season, but improvement has already been seen.

“The team is learning to work together as a unit and to trust each other,” Brennan said. “They are playing clean, strong hockey. Their positive attitude, drive and desire are commendable.

“We have definitely been able to generate more scoring opportunities, but at times we have trouble finding the back of the cage. Scoring and shooting drills continue to be an integral part of our practices.”

Evidence of those opportunities finding the back of the net came in Salisbury’s 4-0 shutout win over Catasauqua over the weekend. Bella Martinez scored two goals in the win, while Kaitlyn Keller and Katie Kiskeravage added the other two.

“They are selfless players, and the give-and-go [opportunities] allow for multiple players to get their sticks on the ball,” Brennan said. “Midfielders Kaitlyn Keller and Madison Jewell continue to utilize their skills both offensively and defensively. They truly link the team together. Bella’s two goals against Catty were the result of solid team hockey.”

A convincing shutout victory over a fellow Colonial League foe figures to give this team momentum throughout the rest of the season. Salisbury has struggled to find the win column in recent seasons, so there’s no telling what an early-season shutout can do for the Lady Falcons.

Throw in the fact that Salisbury played Moravian tough to a 2-1 loss and fell 1-0 to Palisades, and the Lady Falcons look to be heading down the right path as mid-September approaches.

“They listen attentively and are able to transfer what we practice into play,” Brennan said. “They are learning to trust the process, with adaptability along the way.

“We are playing competitive hockey, but we still have to learn how to do the little things to finish the job. Conquering the mental aspects of the game is a work in progress.”

Salisbury will travel to Northern Lehigh on Wednesday for a 4 p.m.