“’Till the last minute… ‘till the last second… we fight… we fight… we fight.”

These words resound from every member of the boys’ lacrosse team prior to the first whistle of every game.  The varsity squad has indeed fought, playing to an impressive record up to this point of 10-3.

With more than half of the season already wrapped up, the team’s success on the field has been difficult to ignore.  This year’s lacrosse team is off to one of its best starts in recent memory, and is looking to continue their winning ways.

“It’s been awesome,” says captain Brian Crosby (’12) of his team’s current performance.  “We’ve really stepped up our game, and we’ve seen where our hard work can get us.”

There are a number of reasons for the team’s recent achievement.  According to Crosby, the varsity squad’s overall talent is unparalleled in comparison to previous years.  “There’s really just a ton of talent. The number of skilled players on this season’s team simplifies the game much more,” says the captain.

Along with the athleticism of the team, Crosby cites chemistry as another key element. “The majority of us on the team are all friends, which makes playing much easier. We’re all familiar with one another so it makes practices and games much smoother.”

Despite a disappointing 6-10 season last year, Crosby and his teammates set expectations fairly high for themselves entering season play. “Our goal was to make states & S.W.C.’s.  Regardless of the past, this team was and still remains set on winning,” says Crosby of the group’s pre-season outlook.

Keith Marotta, coach of the varsity squad for six years, shared similar high hopes for his team concerning the possibility of advancing to the conference and state tournaments.  When asked about the team’s prospects prior to the season, Marotta offered a subtle response, “Our objective was to play together as a team, and above all, win and lose with class.”

As well as being a captain on this year’s varsity squad, Crosby has been a key component in the team’s offense, playing midfield and attack.  Although he has played an important role on the field, Crosby is quick to mention the effort and aptitude of some of his fellow teammates.  “We have a lot of guys on the team that contribute in their own way,” he says. “Pete Serensics (’13) is a defensive force and unquestionably an asset to the team.  Troy Deyo (’13) gives us a ton of faceoff wins and helps control the tempo of each game.”

While the team has so far enjoyed a season of success, junior defenseman Pete Serensics points out that there are still parts of the game that the team needs to develop.  “Our defensive clearances could use some work”, says Serensics of his team’s room for improvement.  “Getting rid of the ball while we’re under pressure is a big area of the game.”

Looking ahead at the remainder of the season, the Wildcats will look to build upon an already exciting season as they approach both the SWC’s and state tournament.  Perhaps coach Marotta summed up the attitude of much of the team when asked what future games in the schedule will be the most important.  “All of them,” Marotta responds.  “One game at a time is my belief.”