The Bow boys lacrosse team could have emerged from Division II semifinal losses the last two seasons in several ways. Bitter, anxious, downtrodden – those were just a few of the options. The Falcons instead opted for “wise.”

Returning the bulk of a team this season that was denied a title shot by the eventual league champion in 2005 and 2006, the Falcons’ greatest strength this season may not be their speed, defense or offensive execution.

Undoubtedly more experienced, Bow is even more appreciative of what it takes to be one of the league’s top teams, head coach Chris Gaudreau said, and that, combined with the skill and depth of a title contender, means a return trip to the top of Division II may very well be in the team’s immediate future.

“I think it’s made us realize how special it is and how hard it is, no matter how much talent you have, to get there and win it,” said Gaudreau, who took over the team after his brother, Steve, stepped down as coach at the end of last season.

“You look at a team like Pinkerton Academy and with all the legend they have, last year they won (the D-I title) and that was the first time they had won it in four years. Everybody was saying, ‘What’s wrong with them?’ Nothing is wrong with them. It’s just hard.”

Teams like defending state champion St. Thomas and Oyster River, last year’s runner-up, will surely make it difficult for Bow again this season. But the Falcons hope to return the favor after losing just four starters from last year’s team.

Leading Bow again are senior attackmen Drew Kerwin and captain D.J. Meagher, who led the team with a combined 110 points last season, and captains Jeff Mcloud, a two-time first-team all-state defenseman, and Pat Acone, who’ll vie for status as one of the league’s top goalies.

The Falcons’ midfield may enjoy the most depth, however, between the line of Eli Mishkit, Tucker Corson and Deven Erickson, and the line of Nick Laboe, Justin Audley and Zach Rossignol.

“And we have others,” Gaudreau said. “We have some other juniors on a third line, and I don’t think there are a lot of teams that can go that deep that comfortably.”

In back, Greg Rolph and Evan Pratt join Mcloud, while all-state hockey goalie, Corey Cotnoir, plans to back up Acone.

On attack, Bow has even more options in junior Alex Stephens, a player “I’m a little nervous to play up because I’m hoping he’ll sneak up on some people,” Gaudreau said, as well as Alex Grip.

Certainly, the Falcons bring a lot to the table, but it’s the drive they have to leave the field with no regrets that may prove to be the most crucial.

“It’s three years in the making,” said Kerwin, who was on the 2004 championship team that won the last of three straight titles for Bow.

Bow opens it season at Bishop Brady on Tuesday, April 10.