Lacrosse at Freedom hasn’t only been strong for the boys, as the girls side figures to be a postseason contender.

After finishing last year 11-5 and losing to Parkland in the district quarterfinals, the Pates return a stable group of players to the fold this season.

Back for the Pates are Paige Jenkins (Sr., midfield); Paige Telatovich (Sr., midfield); Brooklyn Kollar (Jr., defense); Lucy Kontir (Jr., defense); Arianna O’Keefe (So., goalie) and Maya Stickler (Sr., goalie).

Jenkins and Telatovich are first-team all stars, college commits and team captains, as Jenkins is heading to Slippery Rock, while Telatovich is going to Pitt.

“We are thankful to have Paige Telatovich back from a serious injury that cut her 2022 season short,” said head coach Charis Innarella. “Paige was leading our team with 40 goals and 90 draw controls and well on her way to reaching 200 career goals.

“Paige Jenkins is coming off a very successful season with 70 goals and 14 assists, while Brooklyn Kollar (captain) and Lucy Kontir are the backbone of our defense. Goalie Arianna O’Keefe recorded over 100 saves her first year in goal and Maya Stickler missed the 22 season due to injury and joins O’Keefe in goal for her senior season. Our core group of Telatovich, Jenkins, Kollar and Kontir provide strong leadership and will be instrumental to the growth of our team.”

Newcomers this year are freshmen Karee Vandever, Emma Mannino and Jenelle Karabinus.

“We are also excited about the positive environment and team cohesiveness that runs through our entire team,” said Innarella. “We have some exceptional kids that are going to improve and gain confidence with every practice and game. This team really embraces each other and are super fun to coach.”

Freedom is off to a 2-2 start on the season, dropping games to Pleasant Valley and Southern Leigh before bouncing back with wins against Central Catholic and Northwestern. The Pates have Moravian Academy and Liberty this week before the holiday.