The Toll Gate field hockey team would run away with a 2-0 win over rival Pilgrim last week to pick up its first league victory of the regular season.

The two teams were scoreless heading into the fourth quarter, but the Titans would break through when freshman Lauren Bastien scored her first career goal less than two minutes into the final frame. Toll Gate held onto the momentum as Ayla Paley would add the insurance goal less than four minutes later which would be more than enough for the Titans to grab the win.

“I think we just realized that we had to step it up and work harder. We played this team (in the preseason) and they didn’t get any shots on net, but it felt like they were outworking us in the first half. That’s not something that should have been happening so we realized that we had to step it up and work harder,” said Paley of the team’s late game surge. Paley also recorded an assist on the first goal.

Also playing a key role in the victory was midfielder Amanda Preston, who is the team’s lone senior and is entering her fourth season as a varsity starter. Preston’s facilitation helped open things up down the stretch and drew the praise of coach Jim Areson.

“I thought Amanda Preston did a good job controlling the midfield, she was smart and tried a few things to set up Ayla. Ayla had a nice assist and then she scored. I thought we really started imposing ourselves on them. Anytime you score it gives you a lift. Amanda dominated the midfield and then it was first to the ball,” said Areson.

After dropping its season opener to Chariho, Payley felt that it was crucial for the young Titans to get back in the win column fast.

“It’s really important because many of these girls do not know what it takes to play a full season. It builds confidence and it lets them know that we can beat any of these teams. Losing to Chariho brought us down a little bit so winning this will hopefully lift us back up and lead to a winning streak,” said Payley.

Areson was also pleased with his youngsters’ performances and will be relying on them heavily as the season wears on.

“We have three freshmen starting and they’ve all made huge contributions. That will be great as they get a feel for it moving forward and it was great to see Amanda take that leadership in the second half. Between her and Ayla, they’re going to be huge for us,” said Areson.