Laser lacrosse starts strong

Lacrosse season is underway, and both teams are locked and loaded. Both the men and women opened up the season with a win; the men defeating Norwich and the women defeating Thomas (Maine). The women have put on a clinic so far, having scored 72 goals with a shot percentage of 44.4%. The men are unfortunately off to a slower start, netting 48 goals with a shot percentage of 22.4%.

First-year Rhyan Pitari moves the ball up the field in a game against Suffolk University.

The men’s team is younger, and with that will come some growing pains. Leaning on the older members of the team will be the difference between wins or losses. “Some of the hardest aspects of lacrosse is keeping a strong mindset. Being able to keep a level-head and a positive mindset when the team is down,” junior midfielder Brady Swisher stated. The men’s team will have a lot of things to go over and fix in order to get out of this rut.

Chemistry has never been in question though, and the team treats each other like family. It’s only on the field that the men haven’t been in sync. Swisher also described being part of the team as “being part of a second family.”

Even though the men's team needs to continue to grow, it's clear that every player is doing what needs to be done to achieve that growth. No one is satisfied with where they are. Every member is committed and has bought into the team and its culture.

It’s common to be streaky early in the season. During the middle and later portions of the season is usually where you can expect both teams to hit their stride. Building chemistry and fostering effective communication is what will lead to success on the field. Without these two, it will be extremely difficult to gain any momentum.

Chemistry is something the women's team has been foritfying this season.

"We want to see everyone succeed both on and off the field, and we carry that bond everywhere we go," junior goalie Joy Taylor said. Having an environment where you can bond with your teammates on a level beyond the sport of lacrosse is vital to success, and it would seem that the women's team has done just that.

Although the year has started rather well, it can be easy to lose sight of the goal when you have a good amount of success early in the season. The women's team has exemplified great discipline so far and there is no lack of motivation. The potential for an amazing season is there, and the team knows it.

After four games last year, the team stood at 2-2. This year, the team stands stronger at 4-1. Taylor spoke on what she thinks needs to happen for the team to continue adding wins.

"What I think needs to happen is for every player to find it within themselves to push through the hard times and uplift each other," Taylor said.

Playing such a physical sport can be daunting at times.

Continuing to win games will mean that every member of the team pushed themselves as far as they can.

The women's team is off to a great start, but it is a long season and the team will need to make sure it stays dialed in.