The lacrosse season at Portage Collegiate is now in full swing.

The Trojans squad has gone 2-1 through their first three games and assistant coach Al Patterson says he's been pleasantly surprised by their performances so far. He notes the team doesn't have too much experience but he adds they've picked things up rather quickly.

"Now, what we're able to do is set up a clear-out from the defensive zone. So, if there's a shot on net, everybody has an understanding of what they're supposed to do to assist the clear out," Patterson explains. "We'll work from there, moving upfield to the attack setup and our midfielder setup, so we have some kind of offensive rotation."

The assistant coach says they are still in the early stages of implementing strategies but notes he has a ton of faith in the group to execute well once they're comfortable with everything. While they are advancing their knowledge of the game, Patterson adds many of their players are still figuring out the position best suited for them.

"We've been rotating people through different positions, just to give everybody an opportunity to see where they would fit best and what skills they have to offer," says Patterson. "Defenders carry six-foot-long sticks whereas offence carries about a three-foot stick. It's a little different game in each area."

Patterson notes he wants to see the sport of lacrosse grow locally.

"At the end of the day, what I would really like to see is a growth in interest. Any of the kids that we can get hooked now, hopefully, they have some younger siblings or some friends and explain to them how much fun they had playing the game," Patterson continues. "At some point in time, it would be ideal to have our own summer program for the kids. If you get those stick skills at a younger age, by the time you get to high school it won't be something you have to work on."

The Trojans' lacrosse team is in action today at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. PCI is set to hold their home openers on Friday, May 13 at 12:00 and 3:45.

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