Patrick Conroy hopes that this will be the year that Freedom's boys' lacrosse program can make the jump into the postseason.

Coming off an 8-9 campaign a year ago, the Freedom coach envisions good things for the program entering its fourth-year in operation.

"We will be successful as long as we remain committed to our philosophy, which holds hard work at its core," said Conroy. "If we do that, I expect we will make the playoffs for the first time in team history.

"I would like for us to continue to mature both as men and lacrosse players as we move forward through our season."

Back in the fold for the Patriots this season are Drew Gugliuzza (Sr, CPTN D) Kyle Roche (Sr CPTN, M), Ryan Skae (Sr, CPTN A) Hunter Hostage (So, G), Alex Bush (So, A) Nathan VanBuskirk (Sr, M) Jordan Fodale (Sr, M) and John McGinty (So, LSM).

With depth being one concern that Conroy has for his team this year, he hopes that the continued development of the players will pay dividends this spring, as the returning players have continued to grow with their experience in the sport.

"The guys now have a better sense of how a lacrosse practice works, as well as having a deeper knowledge of the game," Conroy said. "At this point last year, we were working on the basics of team tactics. This year we are already working on more subtle decision making processes.

"The guys are far more savvy at this point than a year ago and it makes teaching that much easier because now the new guys have an example to follow. Less time is wasted in practice and we are getting better faster."

The Patriots opened up the season on March 25 against Saucon Valley and begin Lehigh Valley Conference action on Friday at Bethlehem Catholic.

Getting favorable results to start the year would be a plus for Conroy, but ultimately, he just wants this group to keep battling.

"Our ability to continue fighting no matter the circumstance is one of our team strengths," Conroy said. "I would like for us to continue to mature both as men and lacrosse players as we move forward through our season."