The Oakton field hockey team played in four competitive contests during the Blast ALS tournament at Lake Braddock Secondary School, but the Cougars’ offensive struggles led to a 1-3 record.

Each of Oakton’s four games was decided by one goal during the two-day event Aug. 26-27, but the Cougars scored just one goal.On the first day, Oakton opened with a 1-0 loss to Centreville, but responded with a 1-0 win over defending 6A North region champion Fairfax. Senior forward Mackenzie Brooks scored for the Cougars.

On the second day, Oakton lost to Woodson and Lake Braddock, each game ending with a 1-0 final score.

“Unfortunately we could not find the backboard in three of our games, but dominated most of them,” second-year Oakton head coach Allison Ryneski wrote in an email. “We only have seven returning players so learning to play with a new team and a new offensive line will take some time. I am very excited for the new team and seeing what they will accomplish in the games ahead.”

Senior goalkeeper Katie Smith returns for Oakton and is part of what Ryneski called a "very strong" defense. Senior defenders Jenna Colturi and Jenna Ollen, and junior defender Carly Golden also return.

Brooks, senior midfielder Sarah Clinton, and junior forward Maddie Rouse are returning front­line players.

Oakton went 6-10-1 last season and failed to qualify for the regional tournament.

“My expectation for the girls this year is to push themselves to be better athletes on and off the field,” Ryneski wrote. “Our theme for this year is to work hard because many times hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard. I want the girls to see how their hard work in the long preseason will pay off during the season.”

Oakton lost to West Springfield 1-0 on Monday, and fell to Langley 2-1 on Wednesday, dropping its record to 1-5.

The Cougars will travel to face Annandale at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8.