After spending most of the early season in a cramped gymnasium, Upper Perkiomen's lacrosse team reacquainted itself with a full field Monday.  The results might have been less than preferred, but Erika Boyer welcomed the opporunity to get

outside.

            "I couldn't wait to get on this field," Boyer said.

            The Indians struggled early in their season opener, a 14-7 non-league loss to Central Bucks South. They struggled early, falling behind 4-0 midway through the first half and 7-1 at halftime.

            "It took us a little while to get our offense going," head coach Susan Flack said. "The girls couldn't properly place their shots."

            Upper Perkiomen tallied six goals in the second half. Hope Flack finished with a team-high six goals, while AiYi Young contributed a goal and an assist. Courtney Bauer and Boyer also scored, while Liz Fox added two assists. Goalkeeper Alyse Thompson recorded 11 saves.

            A few days earlier Susan Flack said the Titans, who reached the second round of the District One playoffs last season, would challenge her team.  "C.B. South is a great team," the coach said Saturday.

            Forced into the gym due to inclement weather for practice, the Indians were limited to working on fundamentals. Susan Flack said her players were unable focus on their spacing. On the few occasions they could access the turf field, frigid temperatures and windy conditions made outdoor practice difficult. 

             Against C.B. South, they struggled in transition due to a lack of time on the field, according to Boyer.

            Despite the early season setback, Susan Flack expressed confidence that her team will find its groove. Boyer said Upper Perkiomen expects to contend for the Pioneer Athletic Conference playoffs.

            "We've got of athleticism on this team," Susan Flack said prior to the season opener. "The girls are very quick and in good shape. But it's hard to work on a lot of things when you're mostly stuck inside with large number of players."

            A quartet of seniors including midfielder Hope Flack, attackers Fox and Boyer, and defender Casey Smoll will provide the necessary leadership.

            "All of our seniors have been playing at this level for three or four years," the coach said. "I want them to spread their confidence throughout the team."

            Juniors Grace Lehman (attackers), Courtney Bauer (midfielder), Erin Boyle, Tori Shive and Taylor Wismer along with sophomores Young (midfielder), Tori Williams (defender) and Thompson have worked their way into the starting lineup. Additionally, two ninth graders have earned significant playing time, according to Susan Flack.

            "I'm not exactly sure what we have," she said. "Our defensive unit is so young. I'll have a better idea when everyone gets used to the speed and intensity of the game."

            The Indians open their conference schedule Wednesday at home against Phoenixville. They won't play again until April 4 against Upper Merion.