The Allentown High School boys lacrosse team improved their record to 2-2 April 16 with a 9-3 win over Rancocas Valley High School.

The Allentown High School varsity boys lacrosse team showed solidarity for the onset of the new season by sporting Mohawk-style haircuts. Leading the way for the Redbirds was junior midfielderMattMuellerwho had four goals and one assist.

"It was a solid win for us," said second-year varsity coach Mike Kays. "Many players contributed to our success today."

Team unity has been a top priority for the Redbirds who have had a number of players move from the junior varsity to varsity ranks this year.

To show team camaraderie, the majority of the players sported Mohawk-style haircuts to kick off the season. Senior captain Vin Rini and teammate Matt Mueller spearheaded effort by getting their haircut first. Shortly thereafter the two traded their lacrosse sticks for hair trimmers and gave similar haircuts to most of the other players on the team.

"It really was a bonding experience that brought us a lot closer," Rini said. "It was fun and got us fired up to start our season."

Although the haircuts are growing out now, the close relationships the players have formed will continue to grow the remainder of the season.

"By working as a team, it makes our victories even better," Mueller said.

The Redbirds had their next game on April 18 when they faced off against Notre Dame High School at 10 a.m.

For the first time in the team's sixth year rivalry with Notre Dame, Allentown won with a score of 10 to 7 in front of a home team crowd.

"It was a team-wide effort," Kays said. "We played together as a unit all four quarters."

With a record of 2-2 prior to the game, the team was focused on moving past the .500 mark.

Senior captain and goalie Bobby Sopher said, "We worked hard all week to prepare for this game."

Sopher improved his all-time individual game record to 21 saves during the game.

"It was a great game and a special senior memory for me," Sopher said.

The Notre Dame victory will hold a special place in the hearts of the 11 graduating seniors on the team,

"It's always a great feeling to win, but to come out on top of an opponent like Notre Dame is truly an accomplishment and a testament to hard work," Kays said. "I'm so proud of these boys and the way they executed the plays we practiced."

This week the Redbirds will try to improve their record with home games against Ewing on Monday

and West Windsor Plainsboro South on Wednesday. On Saturday the team will be away at Hopewell Valley. The team is now setting their sights on their next goal — the state tournament.