Dubs LAX is back, and after a few weeks of tryouts and practices, a dynamic varsity and powerful JV squad have been formed. The team played its season opener on Thursday, February 10th, against Whitfield Academy, and the JV and Varsity Dubs began their campaigns for NAHS greatness. While the outcomes in the season opener for the two squads were different, team goals remain the same: preparing for a strong showing against regional opponents and building a competitive, winning culture for the program under head coach Alex Haskins.

In the first two games of the season, the Dubs Varsity squad came up short, but there is great potential for rebound. Thursday’s match against Whitfield resulted in a 14 to 6 loss, and the Dubs also were unable to prevail against Holy Innocents in their home opener on Saturday the 12th, losing 11 to 9. The defeats, however, are only two games in a long, 17 game season, and with both games being against non-regional opponents, they will not affect the Dubs’ playoff chances. “We want to win every game we play, but we also can learn lessons from these early defeats. With many of our regional games coming up later in the season, improving our overall play against non-region teams can be crucial to performing better against regional foes,” said junior Logan Kaufman. 

Dubs lacrosse relies on a foundation of teamwork to foster a competitive, successful spirit. With many strong freshmen players joining the team this year, players across all grade levels form a solid dynamic of hard work. Varsity and JV players drill together in joint practices to nail down key techniques, solidifying a culture of teamwork and teaching the athletes key collaborative skills that have brought dubs to NAHS lacrosse teams in past years. “Setting wins and losses aside, if creating a strong team environment isn’t a priority, communicating on the field is just that much harder,” said junior Brooks Balocki. “There is always going to be competition to get to the top of the team, but your skills don’t serve you well if you can’t be a team player.” 

NAHS lacrosse emphasizes the importance of a strong team effort, but the distinguished efforts of top players emphasize the fundamentals of a leading athlete for players to learn from. On the junior varsity team, standouts include sophomores Chase Hankin and Colin Crites, who have started the season with strong play. On the varsity squad, senior Sam Jackson and junior Powers Carpenter are among the team’s early leaders. “I’m thrilled to be considered to be a standout by some, but at the end of the day, I’m just glad to be a part of a team effort. I’m excited to do my best to lead and contribute to our collective success this season,” said sophomore Chase Hankin.

The LAX Dubs look to continue with their campaign for glory as they practice diligently upon their return from Winter Break. Looking forward to the opportunity to turn their record around ahead of regional play, both the JV and Varsity Dubs are ready for the thick of the Lacrosse season. Go Dubs!