Freedom's girls lacrosse team fell just short of qualifying for the postseason, but this spring proved to be a stepping stone for what the program hopes to be a regular player in the District 11 race.

The Pates finished 8-9 overall and 3-7 in East Penn Conference action.

When you fall a game short of making the postseason, the little things can add up and head coach Charis Innarella knows how small the margin of error can be in sports.

"This season we overcame many adversities," Innarella said. "Lauren Abel's unfortunate season ending injury very early on was a huge loss. I'm proud of the way in which our team responded. Our kids rallied around each other and fought hard down the stretch. Senior captain Laura Fodale provided great leadership for our young team."

Freedom carried the mantra of 'Unity is Strength' throughout the season and looked to carry that after Abel's injury, as the team lost one of their top attacking players.

Looking back, the Pates can see a few contests that slipped through their hands, like a 9-6 loss to Northampton and a 10-9 defeat to Saucon Valley.

Reversing any of those scores would have sent Freedom through to the district tournament.

The Pates finished the year by winning their last two games, beating Liberty 7-2 and topping Saucon Valley 10-7.

"We saw so much improvement in every player as the season progressed," Innarella said. "Falling one game short of our goal to qualify for districts was tough for all. Our players understand what it takes to compete in a league which is loaded with strong teams. We're eager to continue working in the off season building on the success of this year.

"With only Laura Fodale graduating and getting Lauren Abel back in the lineup, along with an incoming crew to join a team of great kids, the future is looking bright."