The Parkland High School girls lacrosse team has been under new leadership this season in first-year head coach Brittaney Costigan. The Trojans had a slower start to the year compared to their standards, starting 2-3 overall, but have since won three-of-four overall and Costigan has seen the improvement from her group.

“This season has been going well so far,” said Costigan. “We have had some ups and some downs, but the team is continuing to work together to improve on their play every game.”

The Trojans (5-4 overall, 3-1 EPC) have won their last three against District 11 opponents, including a six-goal victory over Central Catholic in an Eastern Pennsylvania Conference game that Costigan noted was one her team wanted badly after falling to the Vikettes last year.

“I think our game against Central Catholic was a bright spot so far this year,” Costigan said. “Last year, it was a tough loss for the girls. We were really happy we were able to pull off a win this year.”

Parkland has competed against quality opponents early in the year, including in its last game, a nonconference matchup at Cardinal O’Hara.

“We have had some tough competition so far this season,” said Costigan. “Some of these games have been successful for us while others we have fallen short. We are trying to work as a team to continue to move forward and improve on our previous game.”

With a new coach, it is always a must to be able to lean on upperclassmen within the program, and Costigan has been able to do that with her group.

“The girls and the leadership within the team from our captains has been huge for us so far,” Costigan said. “Nikkie Boyer, Kaz Kennedy, Gigi Leonzi, Morgan Napolitano and Morgan Dobil have all stepped up and led our team. As a team, they came together and decided that they were going to leave everything on the field every game no matter what. I think this is what they have continued to bring to every game.”

Parkland takes on Bethlehem Catholic on the road Wednesday and hosts Saucon Valley for senior night on Friday, before wrapping up the week with a nonconference game at Spring-Ford.

“I hope that we continue to move forward and play better each day then the one before,” said Costigan. “I hope they continue to leave everything on the field no matter their opponent.”