It’s simple. It’s obvious. It’s exactly the approach Whitney Boucher takes: team confidence breeds better play.

That has been Boucher’s No. 1 priority this season, and the squad’s winning record proves it’s working.

“I let the girls know they’re good,” said the West High girls lacrosse head coach. “I want them to know they can execute the plays like the best teams, and they shouldn’t be afraid to try new things. I just want to instill confidence in them so it pours out on the field.”

Boucher’s style has been successful thus far, most recently in the Blue Knights’ eighth win of the season, a 12-6 defeat of their May 10 opponent, city rival Manchester Memorial. West’s offense took over quickly against the winless hosts.

In her second season at the helm, Boucher has sculpted the program into one using diverse offensive tactics and strong defense.

Without one or two specific players to score goals, the Blue Knights specialize in confusing and wearing down opposing defenders.

Against the Crusaders, Julia Wright led all scorers with three goals, while Chrissy Vailas added two. Sam Myers, Erin Murray, Liz Lagasse, Demi Bennett, Molly Lehman, Kayla Scullin and Hayley Fritts also tallied. Lagasse handed out two assists. Linnea Hilchey, Sara Bee and Murray earned one apiece.

“At this point it’s coming down to overall stick skills,” said Boucher of the team’s second consecutive winning season. “The girls’ sense of the game has improved so much, especially the newcomers.

We have such a large roster, it’s nice to be able to mix the rotations around and keep them fresh, knowing I can rely on one group as much as the other.”

Boucher said West’s rematch with Pinkerton, the team that knocked the Blue Knights out of last year’s playoffs, posed the toughest challenge.

Indeed, the locals suffered a 15-5 setback, but Alex Marcucci made 14 saves in net, and the upbeat outlook remains intact.

“We’re excited about how we’ve been playing,” said Murray, a junior from Bedford. “We’ve already got more wins than we had all last year, and the season’s not even over yet. Whitney does an awesome job of telling us how good we’re playing. She definitely keeps us positive.”

Murray’s younger sister, Colleen, heads up a group of talented freshmen, including Bennett and goalie Jen Lough, who notched two saves in the second half vs. Memorial. Veteran keeper Shannon Hastings started in net and recorded two saves as well.

West finishes the season on Friday, May 18, at rival Central.