The King’s Fork High School field hockey team competed in nine contests this season and was still in search of its inaugural 2015 win, but on Wednesday evening, the Lady Bulldogs found what they were looking for.

They traveled to play Southampton High School and defeated the Lady Indians 3-0.

It was King’s Fork’s first win under new coach Darcy Pinchbeck, and she was encouraged by the effect the victory should have on her players.

“It is very important to have some positive reinforcement, and this kind of shows them that they have what it takes to win, especially with how hard we’ve been working this year,” she said.

Pinchbeck said they might have been questioning their ability to win, and this should give them confidence and momentum as they finish up the regular season with conference play.

The Lady Bulldogs not only achieved a win on Wednesday, but they did it with strong, proactive play that pleased their coach.

“I felt like they were attacking each situation,” Pinchbeck said. “Every time the ball was passed, they stepped to the ball,” rather than lacking confidence and staying back.

King’s Fork had produced only two goals this season prior to this week, but the Lady Bulldogs had two on the scoreboard before halftime on Wednesday.

Junior Nia Vargas scored unassisted near the midpoint of the first half, and junior Selina Davis put in a shot unassisted with about six to seven minutes remaining until the break.

Davis scored her second goal of the game — and the season — approximately 12 minutes into the second half, assisted by freshman Anaya Godfrey.

Highlighting Davis, Pinchbeck said, “This was definitely a breakout game for her.”

The coach noted she has been working with Davis, trying to help her develop self-confidence with regard to her play.

After what Davis accomplished against the Lady Indians, “I hope that this showed her that what she has tried and worked for all season, that she can do (it),” Pinchbeck said.

With King’s Fork recently down to one substitute player, Pinchbeck opted to bring up Godfrey and three other players from the school’s junior varsity squad, which has only one more game remaining in its season.

An injury has reduced the Lady Bulldogs’ improved tally of subs to four, but the new additions from the JV team have made an impact in their two games so far on varsity.

“I do think they’ve made a big contribution,” Pinchbeck said, noting they allow players to give their all and then get a breather, and they are learning the game and gaining valuable experience once they get on the field. “They definitely just help the dynamic of the team.”

King’s Fork’s other two goals of the season came in a recent 2-2 tie against Oscar Smith High School. They were put in by Lady Bulldogs juniors Kaylyn Swinson and Amber Suits.

Though inclement weather will likely intervene, King’s Fork (1-8-1) is tentatively scheduled to host Deep Creek High School on Monday.