The regular season for the boys’ varsity lacrosse has come to an end. After a long journey with many highs and lows, the team was able to finish with a winning record of 8-6.

Amid the team’s rigorous schedule of six practices a week, they faced significant adversity, including frustration among teammates and the departure of two coaches due to a four-game losing streak. “It was really challenging because everyone had their own opinions on what needed to be changed. I had mixed feelings about even going to practice,” junior Christian Lee said.

However, with the help of Head Coach Daniel Phillips and junior Vikram Ayyagari, the team was able to bring former student Anirvan Ayyagari, who played long pole defense for Wootton and competed for the UMD club lacrosse team, as a new coach who brought much-needed structure. As a result, Anirvan’s influence was evident as the team won four consecutive games, each by a margin of at least 10 points, but lost two intense games against the Clarksburg Coyotes and Sherwood Warriors to end the season.

Senior captain Zach King, who recently achieved his 500th face-off win against Northwest in April, said, “Ani (Anirvan) filled a spot where the coaching staff lacked. He came in and immediately brought a ton of energy. Having him join before the playoffs has been extremely helpful.”

In addition to the issues among coaches, the team has faced several ongoing challenges, with injuries being the most significant. Key players such as juniors Caleb Cook and Vikram Ayyagari, and seniors Raakin Ameen and Christos Pazartzis have missed practices and games due to injuries. Ameen and Pazartzis, both defensive players, are expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season. However, there is some optimism as Cook and Ayyagari, who play the attack position, are anticipated to return before the playoffs.

Although the regular season is over, the team still has playoffs in which they will have to win games against Kennedy on May 6 and Magruder on May 8, whom they have both already beaten in the regular season, to qualify for the regional championship, most likely, which will be against Rockville, which they also beat to start their season. As the seniors prepare to play their final games in a Wootton jersey, the team as a whole must trust one another and play at their highest level to win regionals in such a long, hard-fought season.