The Highland Huskies had a strong season in 2023 that came to a screeching halt in the Section 9 Class D girls’ lacrosse championship game.

However, the Huskies got there by virtue of an 8-6 record and second-year coach Ian Becker is expecting his team to put on a strong showing this season, having lost only two seniors: JoAnn Williams and Addison McDowell.

“I believe we will be really strong this year,” Becker said. “We lost two seniors from last season, but we are strong this year with our returning players.”

Despite losing two key players from last year’s team, the Huskies return their top offensive threats in seniors Caitlin Becker and Leah Klotz.

Becker also entered the season, seven draw controls away from 100.

Senior Sophie Murtagh also returns. Juniors Kelcey Whalen and Danica Valente, and eighth-grader Quinn Ahrenholz will return to the team this season.

The Huskies have played one game so far: losing a March 21 decision to the Valley Central Vikings. After that game, the Huskies were off for nearly two weeks and will face the Warwick Wildcats on the road on Wednesday.

“This is a team that works well together and plays with a lot of grit and determination,” Becker said. “I expect that many of these girls will do great things.”