Raiders lacrosse is into the playoffs and fighting for the district championship. The Raiders are looking to have a good run in the playoffs and defend last year’s district championship. After soundly beating Palmer Trinity 15–1 last Tuesday, the Raiders aimed to continue their streak in the playoffs against Ransom Everglades, sealing a much closer 7–5 victory.

“We won the face off and scored a goal in the first minute. Then we scored four more goals in the next 10 minutes. We didn’t play well in the second quarter. Then the third quarter started and the coach put the younger guys in the game. Right as they went onto the field, they scored two goals. Then, we didn’t score more goals until the fourth quarter,” recounted freshman Hoban Noyes.

After losing another competitive game to Ransom earlier in the season, the Raiders were excited to overcome the loss — a testament to the team’s improvement throughout the season.

“The team is feeling great going into the playoffs. We have a lot of confidence and are prepared for what is coming next ,but we have to take one game at a time,” said sophomore Brandon Rosenthal. “But overall, the team is ready to play anyone and is prepared for anything.”

On Wednesday, the Raiders will take on Pine Crest, a strong team with a 14–4 record. The Raiders have been preparing for this game through practice and film sessions. If they lose to Pine Crest, then the season will be over. The team’s eight seniors are hoping to see another game after Pine Crest and keep the team in the tournament for as long as possible.

“Lacrosse has been extremely fun and I wish I would’ve started playing earlier. Nonetheless, I’m grateful to be able to have experienced everything I have so far,” reflected senior Justin Neyra. “I hope we make a run for states. We have some great athletes and work hard enough to be a state contender.”

The boys lacrosse team has worked hard to become better and work better together. The Raiders hope to be able to make a run further in the playoffs and claim their first state title.