With the change of season on its way, many students tried out for their favorite spring season sport starting Feb. 24. Plants are not the only things growing in the springtime. Lacrosse has expanded and continues to expand all across the country, and this year, it is bigger than ever.

 Previously labeled with different names, the boys lacrosse team has now risen to their new title: saucy cats. While it may sound silly, this is more than a name to the team; it is a persona they carry as one. Senior Brendan Del Prete was one of the creators of the name.

 “Saucy cats is just a fancy name for classy individuals who make lacrosse their top priority, and strive to show women how real gentlemen act,” said Del Prete.

  Returning starter, senior Michael Schulien has been playing lacrosse his entire life and will be playing his third consecutive year on varsity. He has seen the team grow and change over the course of his high school career.

 “We’ve been building for a couple of years now, and last year was one of the best teams we’ve ever had. We went .500 [even wins and losses] and went to districts,” said Schulien. Unfortunately, some key players have graduated, leaving the team in the hands of the next generation.

 “Last year we had 16 seniors graduate, so we’re going to have to rebuild again,” said Schulien. However, the significant loss of players does not stop this headstrong team from dreaming big.

 “Even though we are going to have an inexperienced team this year, our expectation to win districts still remains,” said Schulien. In order for the team to play to its fullest potential, they practice like they would play in a game. This way, when it comes gametime, they will be ready to go.

 Sophomore Chris Zook played on the varsity team his freshman year and is looking forward to the upcoming season. As a freshman on varsity last year, Zook has always given the sport all he’s got, whether it is in practice or in the game.

 “Practice is a very crucial part of the game so we like to make the most out of it. Instead of doing drills and cardio, we work on strategies and game-like situations to prepare us to the fullest,” said Zook. However, practice is not the only key to success for a sports team. Like many, the PFHS lacrosse team has a few leaders that set the standard for rest of the players.

  “The seniors are usually the leaders of the team that set an example to the younger and less experienced players,” said Zook.

 Fortunately for lacrosse, it is the fastest growing sport in America, according to spotlightsportsmag.com, so more new faces are showing up every year.

 “The sport is definitely growing, there is a bunch of new people playing this year, a couple new seniors and underclassmen,” said Zook.

 Furthermore, the boys lacrosse team is looking forward to the season and has high hopes and many goals they wish to achieve.

“Our biggest goal is to get some quality wins and sport some great hair,” said Schulien.

Key games to watch –

• 3/27/14 Heritage @ Potomac Falls

• 4/21/14 Briar Woods @ Potomac Falls

• 5/12/14 Tuscarora @ Potomac Falls