As the boys Varsity Lacrosse team approach the end of their season, playoffs began to take place. Positive aspirations at the beginning of the season seem to have had a beneficial impact as the team played for the first playoff victory in Utica’s history. With ambitious attitudes and competitive stances success is balanced among the players.

Fair results were maintained through the season as the team won seven games and lost eight. Players end the season with a tough loss in playoffs but reflect on the season as a whole with optimism.

With an ambitious approach, the boys were fired up as they headed into the final games of playoffs. The first game resulted with a victory and is the first win of playoffs in Utica lacrosse history. The team was highlighted with delight.

“It felt good to win because it was the first playoff game the program has ever won,” senior Nate Montalbano said.

The physical sport requires a talent in athleticism and also demands a strong mentality. Throughout the season, high hopes were held by the players in which confidence remained existent even in defeat. It was known after winning the first playoff game that the upcoming competition would be difficult and the team shared their worries.

“My thoughts on moving on were not that good because Lake Orion is really good,” Montalbano said.

The second game resulted in a loss and though disappointed in the defeat, the team managed to celebrate with pride for making it there in the first place.

In the closing of the season, seniors took their helmets off for a final time and exited the field as their last moments of being a Utica lacrosse player. As a bittersweet moment for most, the ending of the season is only the start to a new beginning in what may or may not involve lacrosse in the future.

“It was bittersweet but I am happy I spent the last three years playing for the amazing program,” senior Collin Fox said.

In reflection, the lacrosse program played a fairly successful season and hope to only create more history for years to come.