The Bedford High girls lacrosse team was silent in its postgame huddle.

That’s just how head coach Jill Bartlett likes it.

“I can’t stand it when they’re in there after a game, and they’re talking a mile a minute. That means they could have played harder,” said Bartlett. “Today they were totally silent, which means that they gave a great effort.”

Despite a 19-7 setback to Portsmouth on Monday, May 18, Bartlett told her players it was by far the best game they played this season.

With the loss, the Bulldogs fell to 3-7 on the year, but Bedford has improved dramatically since a 20-3 loss to Bow in the first varsity game in BHS history.

Following the setback to the Falcons, the Bulldogs won back-toback games against ConVal and Keene, and they played a competitive match with now 9-3 St. Thomas Aquinas.

“Everything is coming together, from the communication to switching on defense to seeing the cutters,” said Bartlett. “As they keep playing teams, they are able to pick up things and emulate them. They’re really stepping up.”

Portsmouth jumped to an early lead with three goals in little more than three minutes of play before Linnea Hilchey tallied on an assist from Colleen Murray.

After another Portsmouth tally, Hilchey struck with a goal of her own, assisted by Morgan Karanasios, to cut the deficit to 4-2.

The Clippers proved too powerful, scoring nine unanswered goals to take a 13-2 advantage into the break.

Molly Maznek, Danielle Ayers, Kelsey Poremba, Demi Bennett and Murray scored for the Bulldogs in the second half.

Bedford played with only two subs, but Bartlett said she is surprised how quickly her players are ready to return to the field after their stints on the sideline.

“They come out, rest their legs, and want right back in,” said Bartlett. “That is my favorite thing there is: a group of silent, tired girls.”