With nine returning starters, expectations for Upper Perkiomen's lacrosse team are high. Head coach Catie Sobotor hopes the team can return to the District One playoffs. She also mentioned the Pioneer Athletic Conference playoffs as an attainable

Mia Schneider, left, prepares to deliver a pass against Central Bucks East.

goal.

            However, someone must fill the offensive void left by MaryKate Sitko, who reached 200 career goals last season. The coach identified a trio of seniors who have committed to play the sport in college as the leading candidates: Taylor Bieler, Abby Davidheiser and Maggie Milkowich.
            The level of team success will likely depend on at least one of those players improving their performance, according to Sobotor. She said she's waiting for one to emerge as a significant offensive threat.
            "They've got to have the confidence to do it," the coach said. "How far we go depends on the core group of players."
            Bieler, a defender who will continue her career at Millersville University, earned first team All-Frontier Division honors last season. She was also named to the Pennsylvania Area School Girls Lacrosse Association's All-Academic team.
            Davidheiser and Milkowich, a pair of midfielders, were both named to the second team while helping the Tribe secure the No. 13 seed in the Class 2A playoffs. Davidheiser has committed to attend Lee University in southeastern Tennessee. Milkowich will play at Lock Haven.
            The trio leads a group of 12th graders who have been in the program for four seasons. According to Sobotor, the quintet that includes Abby Orsini and Mia Schneider have all taken leadership roles.
            "They all talk in practice," the coach said.
            Last week, the Tribe (1-3) opened its home season with a 10-4 loss to Central Bucks East. Schneider scored two goals; Orsini and Milkowich also scored.
            On Monday, the team suffered an 11-10 overtime loss to Northampton. Davidheiser posted a team-high five goals. She caused three turnovers, won two face-offs, recorded one assist and picked up one ground ball.

            Milkowich and Orsini each scored twice. Milkowich won six face-offs and picked up three ground balls.

            Mia Schneider scored the Tribe's other goal. Bella Knight recorded five saves.

            Against the visiting Patriots on Friday, March 22, Upper Perkiomen – playing without Bieler – fell behind 4-1 in the second quarter. Consecutive goals by Schneider and Milkowich pulled the team within 7-4 late in the third quarter.
            However, C.B. East dominated the fourth quarter. Natalie Berndt extended its advantage to 8-4 just over a minute into the quarter. Page Keller's third goal of the game midway through the quarter extended its lead.
            "We need to work on the fundamentals," Sobotor said. "It's going to take this group some time to gel."
            The roster includes a pair of juniors and sophomores with significant experience, 11th graders Marianne Uber and Maguire Simms and 10th graders Ava Senseny and Giana Kozminski.
            Sarah Fisher received significant playing time against C.B. East. The standout senior soccer player is playing the sport for the first time since elementary school, according to Sobotor.
            Madison Hicks, a ninth grader, and Knight, a sophomore, are splitting time at goalkeeper. The coach said she is waiting for one of the two to claim the job. Hicks – who played the position in middle school – has good instincts, according to Sobotor.
            "Madison picks things up quickly," said the coach, whose team hosted Easton on Wednesday, March 27, before opening its PAC schedule on April 3 at Upper Merion.