The Nansemond River High School girls’ soccer team was tired Thursday night against Western Branch High School. Their long week seemed like it might be extended by overtime, but the Lady Bruins scored on a penalty kick with less than two minutes to go, ultimately handing their hosts a 2-1 loss.

“I think we did well, considering it was three games in a row,” NR head coach Darryl Yandle said. “That was our third game in the last three days, so physically, we were tired.”

Western Branch scored first, and Nansemond River’s Emily Leverone later tied the game with a goal off a penalty kick.

Yandle said the game came down to a hand ball, which prompted the Lady Bruin’s last-minute penalty kick.

“The hand ball was unlucky,” he said.

The Lady Warriors stand at 5-5 overall. Yandle said the story of the season has been one close game after another.

Injuries have played a role. For example, Nansemond River was without a couple players for part of Thursday’s game. Leverone did not play in the second half, sidelined for medical reasons, and another strong player, Claire Janek, got hurt, missing most of the second half.

“These little things add up,” Yandle said.

But his outlook for the remaining games on the schedule is far from gloomy.

“When it comes all said and done, it’s the conference games that matter,” he said. “We’ve still got some major issues to work out, but as far as the conference goes, we should be able to handle those games.”

Despite a couple of lapses, the Lady Warriors defense showed strength against a potent Western Branch attack. The credit goes to Karin Kleps, Cassidy Feldt, Desiree Patterson, Jen Herrera and Courtney DeLucia.

Nansemond River won both games preceding the Lady Bruins contest this week. On Wednesday, the Lady Warriors defeated host Poquoson High School 4-1. Leverone had two goals and one assist, Kamarie Jewette had a goal and two assists, Daijah Norris had one goal and Janek had an assist.

On Tuesday, the Lady Warriors routed host Deep Creek High School 5-0. Leverone again scored twice, Dawn Wright had a goal and an assist, Kendall Webster scored once, and Jewette had two assists.

Nansemond River (5-5, 2-0) hosts Grafton High School on Tuesday.