This weekend proved to be a lacrosse fan’s dream in the state of Massachusetts. Not only were four collegiate national champions crowned at Gillette stadium in Foxboro, but just fifteen minutes away the second season of the United Women’s Lacrosse League (UWLX) got under way. On Saturday May 27th, the highest caliber female lacrosse players from around the nation came together for games that proved as exciting as the day itself. From spectacular goals to a nail-biting finish, these athletes did not disappoint.

The day started out with a clinic for youth lacrosse players from around New England hosted by the athletes on the Boston Storm. Participants came from as far as New Hampshire to take the opportunity of learning from the best of the best. From the smallest of goalies taking shots from professional athletes to practicing the draw with women who seem to have perfected it, the youth athletes had an experience like no other. Based on the smiles of the kids as well as the Storm team members, the clinic was a major success.

As the clinic came to a close, the youth lacrosse players stuck around to have autographs signed by their favorite athletes. They also enjoyed food from multiple food trucks, perusing their team’s merchandise, and talking to representatives from various companies such as STX and Revolution Lacrosse in the time leading up to the first game. Revolution lacrosse held a few informal stick balancing competitions among the youth players, while others took the time to chat or watch in awe as the athletes warmed up.

At half time of the first game, between the Boston Storm and Philadelphia Force, youth teams from Cumberland Rhode Island and Marlboro Massachusetts competed against each other for the fans’ entertainment. Their excitement to play on the same field as professional athletes was evident to the hundreds of fans who came out to watch the opening day games. In the end, the Storm came out with a 13-12 victory over the Force.

As the second game started, between the Long Island Sound and Baltimore Ride, the excitement never waned. The fans nerves grew as the half time raffle grew closer. One lucky member of the crowd was going to go home with a brand new stick signed by the members of the Boston Storm. At the half, the winner was announced and the young girl came running over to claim her prize. By the final whistle, the Sound prevailed 14-6 over the Ride.

For women’s lacrosse fans, Saturday was just the beginning of another incredible season of lacrosse. The inaugural season of the UWLX was groundbreaking, but this season proves that the women are here to stay, and that they play the game of lacrosse like no other.