BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP — If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again.

The Northwestern Lehigh field hockey team has played many games over the years against Colonial League foe Moravain Academy — and it’s been a while since the Tigers defeated the Lions.

However, in the District 11 quarterfinals on Wednesday afternoon, the Tigers decided to add a new chapter to the rivalry. Northwestern, the Class 1A No. 7 seed, received goals from Paige Merschman and Brynn Balliet, en route to earning a 2-1 upset victory over No. 2 seed Moravian Academy.

“I think it’s been about seven years since we beat Moravian,” said Northwestern head coach Lissa Opolsky. “More than even a playoff win, it was an internal victory for these guys. We’re excited to play more hockey, and we finally have that confidence of we’re here, and we’re not done yet.”

The game was scoreless until Merschman found the back of the cage at the 4:07 mark of the first half. Sydney Derr had a nice run up the side of the pitch and found Merschman, who delivered for an early Tiger lead.

“Playing on grass is really tough because you don’t know what the bounce is going to be,” said Opolsky. “I think it partially ended up lucky, because we got a ball that went through.

“The goal was great. Paige (Merschman) subbed in and was in the right place at the right time, and she has an eye for the goal.”

The Tigers clawed for another goal in the second half when Derr again found an open teammate — this time Brynn Balliet — for a 2-0 advantage.

“We have a lot of speed on our team, and we were finally able to put that together,” said Opolsky. “We were able to transfer what we practiced to the game. Any team in any sport, that’s your goal as a coach. For me, that’s a win no matter what.”

Anne Howl struck for the Lions with 5:09 left in the game to make it 2-1.

Moravian had a serious attack while the game was winding down. Within the final minute, the Lions earned a corner, and fired multiple shots from inside the box within a 20-second span. Northwestern senior Alena Smargiassi was in the cage at goalie and she came up big to keep the Lions off the scoreboard during the late Lions’ rush.

“It was a little nerve racking,” said Smargiassi. “I dove and I was trying to not necessarily cover it, because I can’t do that, but keep her from lifting it over me. My defenders were awesome and got it out.”

DOUBLE TROUBLE ...The Tigers have two impressive senior goalkeepers that are going to play at the collegiate level. Smargiassi is headed to the University of Connecticut, while Taylor Page, who had a strong first half, will move on to Slippery Rock. “It feels amazing,” said Page. “They knocked us out two years ago. It feels good to get on top for once.”

NEXT ... The Tigers will battle third-seeded Wilson on Monday at 5:15 p.m. at Palmerton.