Freedom made a run to the district semifinals last year with a talented group of girls, but the Pates will have more to improve after a big graduation loss from a year ago.

The Pates were 10-6 last year but lost the likes of Paige Telatovich (Pitt), Paige Jenkins (Slippery Rock) and defender Madison Horvath.

Head coach Charis Innarella knows the losses of key seniors will be holes to fill, but hopes new players can step into those roles to lead Freedom back to the postseason.

“We will be filling some big gaps lost to graduation last year,” Innarella said. “We have tremendous leadership in our three captains. We will look to new players to fill big roles throughout the midfield.”

The key players for the Pates will be senior defenders and captains Lucy Kontir and Brooklyn Kollar (Keiser commit), along with junior captain Arianna O’Keefe (goalie, EPC first-team). Sophomores Karee Vandever (midfield) and Janelle Karabinus (attack) also will have prominent roles.

“Our defense will be the strength of the team where we returned an experienced all conference goalie and a solid core of defenders that join Vandever to round it out,” Innarella said. “This years team is full of eager athletes willing to work hard and improve everyday. So proud of the team cohesiveness and the coachability of our players. We are expecting to be competitive and improve throughout the regular season and qualify for the postseason.”

That journey for the Pates began this week with a showdown against Nazareth on Tuesday.

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On Thursday, March 28, Freedom girls lacrosse will be holding a dedication game in memory of former Class of 2021 lacrosse player Carly Grozier.

At the game we will be selling T-shirts, bracelets, and raffle tickets with all proceeds going to Carly’s Cause.

Carly was a loyal and kind teammate who never failed to make us smile. Join us for the dedication at 5 p.m. before the team’s game against Liberty. FHS was lucky enough to have known, coached and played with Carly and look forward to honoring her.