Through wind, rain, hail and several canceled games, Boy’s Lacrosse started this year with one of their toughest schedules ever.

   The season “warm up” began with a few losses to nationally ranked teams from as far away as Colorado: Bolles, ranked #1 in FL; King’s Ridge, #4 in GA; IMG from Bradenton, FL #23; Monarch, CO #44, and Marclay, from Tallahassee, a private school that is always in the playoffs in Florida.

   “In our case, I could have scheduled so we were 13-0, but we would not be near the team we are right now had I done that,” remarks head coach Earle McAuley.

   According to McAuley, the loss to Maclay was particularly disappointing because “They are our archrivals whom we usually play again in post season.”

   Varsity player John Valletto thinks confidence is key: “Having confidence gives you and the rest of the team a chance against any team or just anything in general. Confidence is important to anything.”

   Locally, Varsity boys’ have bested many teams this season who were ranked higher than the Dolphins before the match up. Those wins include Niceville (12-7), South Walton (12-11), and Catholic High (14-4).

   Girls’ Lacrosse has a final regular season record of 8-6, Last season was ended with a record of 13-1.

   Senior Varsity player Victoria Burtt feels, “Our season so far has been a little more complicated than years before, but our determination and work ethic is better than ever.”

   The team seems to be improving even if the numbers may suggest otherwise. Burtt says, “Our schedule has given us opportunities to play with some really good lacrosse teams and it’s only been benefiting our team chemistry and coordination more. My teammates and coaches have made this season so much more exciting and there’s nothing like proving peo-ple wrong over and over with our program.”

   April 11-14, both the boys and girls teams will be competing in the FHSAA District 1 tournaments. The boys will be hosting the event at Dolphin stadium while the girls will be headed to Milton High for their tourney.