This is a week where Freedom’s girls lacrosse team can gain some separation from the pack.

The Pates are 4-4 on the year and split last week’s results with a win over Moravian and a loss to Nazareth.

Now they have three games this week against Easton (4-5), Northampton (2-8) and a Saturday showdown at home against rival Liberty (6-4) to put an exclamation point on an opportunity to put them in the drivers seat towards a district berth.

Head coach Charis Innarella has leaned on her captains this year and this week will be no different.

“Our strength has been in our draw circles and midfield, led by captains Karee Vandever, Jenelle Karabinus, Saige Carter and Emma Mannino,” said Innarella. “We have been competitive in our losses. Our defense has been stepping up to the challenges and first year varsity goalie Brooklyn Sek has been doing a great job for us. She’s made some big stops and keeps us in the big games.”

Freedom played tough in their loss to an 8-1 Nazareth squad, losing 14-10 last week and that has been a theme in their defeats this year. They stay close, but not close enough to truly come out on top.

With eight games left in the season, coming out of this week ahead of the .500 mark is on the table.

“We are taking it one game at a time and making the most of every opportunity,” said Innarella.

In other news, Karee Vandever has tied the school record for most career goals with 230.

Katie Flynn held the previous record and Vandever should be able to break it this week.