Freedom’s girls lacrosse team is looking to take the next step this spring, one that hopefully has them in the postseason.

After finishing last year 8-9, the Patriots lost one player to graduation and look primed to improve this season in head coach Charis Innarella’s third season in charge.

“The expectations are to compete one game at a time and leave it all on the field and keep working to improve as a team,” Innarella said. “We are proud of our entire team’s effort and motivation this season and we’re excited about this spring.”

Returning for the Pates are senior captains Cristina Youwakim and Shannon McGorry. Junior attacker Lauren Abel returns after missing the majority of last season with an ACL tear. She is joined by junior Midfielders Abby and Emily Rowan, who along with Abel will balance the attack.

Freshmen Emma Telatovich , Mackenzie Dudeck and Rebeckah Fodale are making an immediate impact on the line up as well.

The Pates are 1-4 so far, registering a 13-8 victory over Lake Lehman in their opener before dropping fourstraight EPC contests to Pleasant Valley, Easton, Parkland and Nazareth.

The Pates take on Northampton and Central Catholic this week with the hopes of getting themselves back in the playoff mix.