Gloucester remained undefeated in recent Conference 10 field hockey action, but Hickory spoiled the Dukes’ perfect record of not allowing a goal in a 3-2 victory on Tuesday.

“It was bound to happen sometime, and it happened with a good team,” said Gloucester coach Mike Miller. Miller said his players were disappointed when the Hawks scored to tie it at 1-1 in the first half, but he told them allowing one goal in 14 games was not a bad thing. He said the girls put it behind them and got back to the battle on the field.

Miller said his team came out strong in the first half and got off to a 1-0 lead when junior Tori Harwood scored on a corner, assisted by sophomore Cassidy Goodwin. Hickory tied it, but Goodwin scored on a penalty stroke to give Gloucester a 2-1 advantage at the half.

Harwood scored again on a corner in the second half with assistance from seniors Courtnie Greene and Katelyn Curtis. Hickory also produced a second-half goal, and still had time to rally for a tie. “It was a mad rush at the end,” Miller said. “There was lots of pressure, something we really needed. We regrouped and the girls stepped up.”

The Dukes, accustomed to being the ones applying the pressure and controlling the game, got the win and a workout. “It was a good game for us. We really needed it. It was a good win,” Miller assessed. The two goals against them also takes some pressure off Gloucester as they head to the playoffs. “Two goals in 14 games isn’t bad,” Miller said. “I’ll take that any season.”

The Dukes played in the rain at Indian River last week and brought back a 7-0 win. Miller said there were still about 15 minutes left in the game when it was stopped due to the mercy rule. “We played exceptionally well, especially in the rain. We controlled the game and pressured the ball,” he said.

Curtis and Goodwin had two goals each and goals were scored by sophomore Brittany Romero, Greene and Harwood. Goodwin contributed three assists, Harwood had two and senior Simone Gayle had one.

The Dukes are scheduled to close out the regular season schedule on the road, playing at Hampton this week and at Great Bridge on Monday. Maintaining their undefeated record over the next two games will mean a bye for Gloucester in first-round tournament play.