C. Milton Wright wrapped up its regular field hockey season Wednesday with a satisfying 1-0 victory over North Harford. The win came after coach Bonnie Schnell figured out what would motivate her veteran team.

The Mustangs, with a roster that includes 14 juniors and seniors, started the season by climbing up the charts. They made it to No. 10 before losing to John Carroll (2-1 in double overtime), Hereford, 1-0, and Bel Air, 3-0. This week they lost to St. Paul's, 2-1 in overtime.

Wednesday's victory gave the team a 7-6-1 regular season record heading in to the postseason.

The results were not what Schnell had anticipated and she had tried to "sugar coat" close losses, until the St. Paul's loss, when she finally laid it out plainly to her team.

"This team went up and down all season," she said. "I finally figured out the thing to motivate them. It's hard to explain, but I have to consistently remind them about heart and desire. It's not every player, but you can't depend on the same two or three every game. It's a team sport and it's their desire that will decide their fate."

She told her team to look at Bel Air (9-2), a team she believes is less talented than her own, but one that leaves everything it has on the field every game.

"That's a team," Schnell said. "That night they beat us they weren't as talented, but they have heart and soul. They stood up to everything. We had 16 corners and didn't score. That shows me something (about both teams)."

Her squad also lost to Perry Hall and Fallston. "We played better, but they scored," Schnell said.

Schnell reflected that in our current society many expect the motivation to come from the coach, "but the reality is it has to come from the players on the field and on the sidelines.

"Players on the sidelines have to support their team on the field. When they cheer in support that motivates their teammates, who may need the support to motivate themselves. I've been sugar-coating it. But I was point blank with them before our last game, [saying] 'Your lack of desire is the difference.'

"I told them they could continue as they have been and leave their fate in the hands of other teams or they could take control. It was up to them. And I saw a different team against Harford."

Schnell hopes the revelation sticks.