The Parkland girls lacrosse team was using time to figure out certain roles for individual players after the graduation of several key pieces last season, and it has been rising into form of late.

After weather forced the Trojans to postpone their game with Central Catholic last Friday night, they used that extra day to prepare for their next opponent, North Penn. And it seemed to help.

Parkland took control in the second half by outscoring the Knights 7-4 in winning the nonconference game 15-10 last Saturday afternoon on the road at North Penn High School against a perennial state contender.

“We got draw, controlled the ball, took smart shots and played great defense with key saves by [Mackenzie] Galucy,” said head coach Dawn Cipolla. “It was a win that we work for. It was very important because it allowed us to qualify for districts.”

The Trojans (9-6 overall, 7-1 EPC) secured a berth in the upcoming District 11 3A tournament with their win at North Penn. Six different players found the back of the net, including five in double-figures in goals.

“We want to be balanced with our offense,” Cipolla ssaid. “A lot of different goal scorers makes us more of threat. Unlike in years past we don’t want to rely on just a couple of scorers. We want to have a more balanced offensive attack.”

Emily Leiby led the way for the Trojans’ attack with five goals and an assist. Maeve Leonzi had a hat trick and added an assist for Parkland, while Jill Bushinsky, Morgan Hurd and Kenzie Roth all tallied two goals. Kaz Kennedy rounded out the Parkland scoring with a goal, while also dishing out two assists. Jess Bahnick and Hurd posted two assists, while Bushinsky and Roth each had an assist.

Parkland dropped its next nonconference game, at home to Downingtown West on Tuesday night.

“Downingtown West was very good and aggressive,” said Cipolla. “They are ranked fifth in District 1. We lost 15-6. Their defense posed a problem with are offense with their aggressive style. Galucy had a lot of key saves and our defense played well too.”

The Trojans will look to regroup with Eastern Pennsylvania Conference games at Emmaus Thursday and home against Central Catholic Friday.

Parkland is still competing with Easton (10-3), Pleasant Valley (10-4) and Freedom (10-4) for the top of the league.