ROYAL CITY - SCAC East-leading Connell topped Royal last week, but the 3-1 outcome revealed an improved Knights program.

Royal scored midway through the first half on a goal by Cynthia Cid-Beltran, assisted by Jackie Guadarrama and made it nearly to the 45-minute whistle with a 1-0 lead. But a 30-yard free kick went through the goalkeeper's hands in the 45th minute to create a 1-1 tie.

Royal pressured and played well defensively in the second half. But another free kick through the hands and a high floater that went through the hands put the result out of reach, 3-1.

"We needed this win to overcome the hole we put ourselves in by losing at Ki-Be," coach Jens Jensen said.

If the upcoming district tournament is set up the same way as in the past, Royal will finish in fourth place and out of the playoff positions.

"The girls played well enough against the undefeated Eagles to feel aggrieved by the result," Jensen said.

And well enough to feel as if the program is on the upsweep.

Particularly improved is the defense. Connell took 14 shots and three corner kicks but was mostly turned away.

Royal closes out the regular season against Warden today.