Freedom's lacrosse programs have come a long way since their inception four years ago, as both the boys and girls programs qualified for this week's District 11 playoffs.

The Patriot girls finished 9-9 overall to squeak into the tournament, thanks to their 19-4 victory over Quakertown Community last week.

That earned them the seventh seed, as they will take on Southern Lehigh (12-4) in Thursday's opening round.

For head coach Charis Innarella, it's a pinnacle moment for the program.

"I am extremely proud of my team," said Innarella."It has been a very exciting season. They played together and worked hard to achieve our goal. To become the first team to make it to districts is special. I always believed these players had the potential to be really successful.

"They just needed to have the confidence and once we won a few games they dug in and kept moving forward. It has been an enjoyable season."

On the flip side, the boys (6-8, 5-5) managed to qualify via their .500 mark in conference play.

"The significance of making the playoffs for us cannot be overstated," said boys' head coach Patrick Conroy. "To move from 2-16 record two seasons ago to in our third year of varsity making playoffs is a testament to the leadership of our seniors and the work ethic of the team as a whole. "For both our guys and girls to make the district playoffs for the first time in the same season is a special bonus and I believe that, as with our boys, the girls have been led by their seniors."

The boys will take on Moravian Academy (8-6) on Wednesday in an eight versus nine pigtail matchup.

Getting the Pates ready for the playoffs is now the main objective.

"As far as concerns about getting ready to play: we have none," he said. "We will have the luxury of playing with no pressure against some great competition in what should be an awesome setting."