The SD Cavers varsity lacrosse team is heading into the new season with a younger group and fresh start. After losing a lot of seniors last year, this season is about stepping up, building chemistry, and proving themselves. Saturday’s tryouts gave the team a first look at what this year might feel like.
Senior Sebastian Douglas said the hardest part of the tryouts was the conditioning.
“I think the most exhausting part of Saturday’s tryouts was the condition because most of us didn’t play a sport before, so it’s kind of hard for us to get into the new sport,” Douglas said.
Senior Jesus Zaragoza saw it a little differently. “It was not really that hard. It was fun,” Zaragoza said.
Now that the official team is set, with a few players still finishing wrestling and basketball, both seniors said they are excited to finally practice together.
“It feels good knowing we can practice as a whole team,” Douglas said. “Once we get everyone back, it is going to feel very complete. We will get our chemistry together.”
Douglas said this year feels different compared to last season. Last year’s team had more seniors and was louder on the field. Even with the changes, Zaragoza said the energy still feels strong. “It feels really energetic,” Zaragoza said. “I feel like we’re ready to start the season and win as many games as we can.”
As seniors, both players said they are trying to help younger teammates feel comfortable.
“When I first started, I was kind of shy,” Douglas said. “Now I feel like a leader. The younger people watch what we do, so I try to set a good example.”
Zaragoza said the seniors make sure to help during practice.
“When they mess up or don’t know what to do, we help them,” Zaragoza said. “We’re trying to teach and support them.”
As the season begins, the Cavers are still adjusting, but the seniors are focused on leading the way and making this year count.
