Before the weekend began, it seemed as though this weekend could be the one where Georgetown field hockey (2-15, 0-5 Big East) could finally pick up their first victory since mid-September. It was not to be, however, as Villanova (7-9, 3-2 Big East) and American (8-7, 3-1 Patriot League) both downed the Hoyas.

There was more than just securing a league win at stake this weekend. Before Friday’s game against the Wildcats, the Hoyas honored their two seniors: defender Ai Nishino and midfielder Kalli Krumpos. This would be the last weekend Nishino and Krumpos would play on their own field after giving four years to the program.

Georgetown came out with high energy and played Villanova closely in the first 15 minutes before allowing a goal. Although the Hoyas were behind, they didn’t allow themselves to be discouraged. They continued to play one of the best games they have all season and, in fact, stood even at the half on shots taken.

The Blue and Gray defense played a tough second half and only allowed one goal in 11 shots. However, the Hoyas’ offense was unable to get them back in the game. The final score was 2-0.

“We took a step in the right direction. The girls went into it with a ton of energy. We played at a different level,” Head Coach Tiffany Marsh said. “We had opportunities that we unfortunately just didn’t capitalize on and Villanova was able to.”

Although they couldn’t get a win Sunday either, the Hoyas showed definite improvement from their play earlier in the season. American, which was ranked in the top 20 earlier this season, was met with Georgetown’s best defensive effort to date. The Hoyas tallied three defensive saves in the game against the Eagles, giving them a total of seven on the season.

“The one defensive save that Ai Nishino had was probably one of the best saves that I have ever seen,” Marsh said. “Her reaction to the ball, it came above her head, she was able to knock it away from the goal.”

American tallied two goals in the first half and one in the second to earn a 3-0 victory over the Hoyas. Georgetown junior goalie Briana Pereira and freshman goalie Kelly Mosser each had five saves on the day.

“This last weekend as a whole — that we were able to play Villanova and AU at the level that we were able to compete — is a new step for us,” Marsh said. “I hope that the girls take that and have confidence in the way that they’re playing.”

Though they were unable to add another win to their record at home this year, the team’s effort was a good way for Krumpos and Nishino to end their careers at home.

“Kalli and Ai have been a huge part of our program. They have been a huge part of our program all four years that they’ve been here,” Marsh said. “They’re great leaders, they’re great teammates [and] they’re great people to have around.”

The Hoyas will play their final game of the 2011 season against Big East rival Providence (4-13, 1-4 Big East) Saturday in Providence, R.I.