SCARBOROUGH — They had nothing to lose, everything to gain, and, even with a season-ending defeat, plenty to be pleased about.

As it was, upset-minded No. 8 seed Thornton Academy fell 2-0 to top-seeded and undefeated Scarborough, in a Western Maine Class A field hockey quarterfinal tilt at the Kippy Mitchell Athletic Complex, Saturday.

“We came in  prepared,” said senior wing Kim Dao. “But they were the No. 1 team for a reason. We put up a fight.”

Indeed they did, especially netminder Zoe Colton, who pulled off a mind-numbing 25 saves against a voracious Scarborough attack.

“It’s their passing,” said Thornton coach Lori Smith. “They know where everybody is all the time. And having the (artificial) turf that they play on all the time. That helps make them a strong team.”

Only two shots ”“  one each  by Brittany Ross and Ellie Morin ”“ got past Colton.

Both came off penalty corners, with Ross polishing off her chance 17:35 into the game.

It proved to be all the offense needed by the Red Storm (15-0-0), whose last loss came in last year’s state championship game.

As for the Golden Trojans (9-6-1), the chance to topple the regional champs kept them both pumped and loose.

“We were jazzed,” said Dao. “We had a pasta party (Friday night) and watched films. The captains came up with little cards that said, ”˜We had nothing to lose. Give it your all’”

Thornton’s hopes of pulling off a shocker remained until 4:40 into the second half, when Morin popped in Scarborough’s second goal.

The Trojans tried to step up their attack, but could only put two shots on Scarborough keeper Jordi Saunders.

“We gave it our all,” said Dao. “Sometimes it’s not enough.”

— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.