Cicero — While the Fayetteville-Manlius field hockey team’s dramatic victory over Baldwinsville in the Nov. 1 Section III Class A final was reflective of this squad’s toughness and heart, the Hornets’ effort against Shenendehowa in Sunday’s regional final at Cicero-North Syracuse’s Bragman Stadium displayed those same qualities – even if the result was different.

Forced to play in its own end for much of the contest, F-M still remained close to the Plainsmen most of the way before a late goal allowed Shen to double its margin and prevail 2-0.

Hornets head coach Cynthia Vulcano said her team’s effort against the Plainsmen was far better than it was in the 2013 regional final, when these same two sides met and F-M lost by a 5-1 margin.

Still, the Hornets did not play at the same level as it did for most of the season, largely because of the constant pressure put on by Shen’s midfielders and forwards, which allowed the Section II champions to dominate the possession time.

“Our passing wasn’t stellar,” said Vulcano. “We hesitated too much.”

This forced F-M into constant defensive mode, something that allowed the team’s senior back line to shine and play its best field hockey of the season.

Between them, the trio of Samantha Zygmont, Bailey Davis and Sophia D’Amico, with aid from midfielders like Daria Larson, Liz Truman, Kathryn Colone, Megan Josephson and Reilly Baker, constantly frustrated the Plainsmen forwards.

And when that didn’t work, goalie Caroline Baril again stood out, making eight saves, some of them spectacular ones.

In the end, though, it was too much work. Shen went int front 8:23 into the first half on Teryan Marra’s shot that bounced past Baril.

Try as it could, F-M only made occasional charges, though it did earn one chance at a penalty corner with 8:20 left and the deficit still 1-0. But Shen made the stop before the Hornets could get a shot, and with 2:17 to play Emily Fraser’s rebound goal clinched it for the Plainsmen.

Now the challenge for F-M really begins. Thirteen seniors graduate, including Baril, D’amico, Davis, Josephson, Zygmont, Larson, Molly Quinlan and Christine Carter-Huffman. Baker, Truman and Colone is back, as is leading goal-scorer Sophie Craig.