It was another building block for Freedom’s boys lacrosse program last week when the Patriots topped Nazareth 14-12 to register their first ever victory over the Blue Eagles.

Jamal Williamson led the charge with four goals in the win, as Freedom’s program continues to make strides each year.

“This win was huge for our team and our program,” said head coach Tony Fabrizio. “We took a couple of tough losses recently and we’re finally able to bounce back to beat Nazareth. We played well as a team. Beating Nazareth was a large hurdle we wanted to get over.”

The win was the third in four games for the Pates (5-6, 4-4) heading into this week’s slate of four games, starting with Monday’s 7-4 loss to Southern Lehigh.

They should have a favorable rest of the week with games against Northampton on Tuesday, Pleasant Valley on Thursday and Liberty on Saturday afternoon.

This week’s tilt with Pleasant Valley (3-8, 3-6) could decide the EPC West division, as both teams are the clear leaders of the pack.

“These boys have achieved so much already, but are still hungry for more,” said Fabrizio. “We hit a rough patch as a team losing close games against good opponents, but we’re now seeing a team with a purpose. I couldn’t be prouder of them coming together. The heart, hustle, and determination will get these boys far.”

Liberty (1-9, 1-7) got their first win of the season last week with a 9-4 win over Northampton (0-12), as Jacob Anthony led the way with four goals.

Bethlehem Catholic (2-8, 2-7) have only registered wins over Northampton and Liberty this season and will look to double their win total this week when they face each opponent again.

On the girls side, Freedom (7-3, 5-3) will have a shot at closing within a game of Easton (8-1, 7-1) in the EPC’s Steel Division when the two sides meet on Thursday.

Liberty (1-10, 0-8) are still searching for their first league win, as they head into a week with Saucon Valley (6-3), Central Catholic (6-7) and Delaware Valley (5-4).