Scotland U18 Girls lost 4-0 to Germany, but left everything on the pitch at the U18 EuroHockey Championships in Krefeld, Germany.
It was a positive start by Scotland as they went asking questions of the German defence down the left flank.
The Scots pressed well, and were busy in midfield, prompting swift breaks on the German circle.
It would be the home side, however, who would open the scoring as the quarter reached a close. The ball was fizzed in from the right and touched home by Lena Keller to make it 1-0 to Germany.
Early in the second quarter Germany doubled their advantage. The goal was familiar, like the first, the ball was drilled in from the right and scooped home at the far post by Keller for 2-0.
A few minutes later it went to 3-0 through a delightful drag flick by Julia Boeringher into the top left corner.
The third quarter was more of a battle with both sides putting in a solid shift, and not backing down, but there were encouraging signs of positive Scottish play.
Scotland’s positivity continued into the final quarter with Cat Nelli becoming more involved in the play. But a penalty corner opportunity for Germany saw the Scots lose two players for breaking too early, and Germany took advantage to go 4-0 ahead.
The Germans were awarded a late penalty stroke but the effort missed the target and zipped past the left post, resulting in a 4-0 win for the hosts at full time.