Playoffs is the goal for Liberty’s boys lacrosse team this spring and second-year head coach Jim Martell hopes that can come to fruition in the coming months.

With spring sports back this season, each team will have their own learning curve from a canceled 2020 season, but Martell appears confident in the talent of this year’s group.

“The team has been working diligently to get better everyday,” said Martell. “They have been extremely focused since day one. They had their season taken away from them last year, so they are being extremely mindful of all the things they need to do to have a successful season. Our motto is still accountability, enthusiasm and Calmness under Chaos. We are focusing on controlling the controllable. They are paying more and more attention to the little details of the game to execute live in competition.”

Returning for the Hurricanes this season include Tommy Bothwell, Brennan McKeown, Carson Vella, Jesse Kolb, Matthew Schlegel and Ethan Sowinski. Newcomers are Lance Priestas, Matt Ingram, Mason Burger and Scott Trauger.

“The team’s goal is to go as far into the playoffs as possible,” Martell said. “Our players and coaches know we have the talent to do this. As long as we continue to focus on the little things the rest will come.”

All those goals come with the reminder that COVID is still lurking around every corner, so Martell is making sure his team is diligent in their safety.

“In general it’s going to be tough for everyone this year,” he said. “From postponements and limited time to make sure everyone’s schedule fits to play a game. For us, we are not going to use COVID as an excuse. Our players know how serious it is, and know how serious the coaches take it. They have been very diligent with following all Liberty High School’s policies. We will continue to do a fantastic job at this to make sure we can continue to play out our season.”