Matt Regan coached the Pelham boys lacrosse team two of the program’s first four years, but missed last season because of time constraints.

This season, he is back at the helm and ready to reap the benefits of his initial investment.

“The group I had two years ago, when they were all freshmen, I now have them all as juniors,” said Regan of a team that won one game in 2006 and lost many contests by double digits. “They’ve always had good skills, but now they’re all grown up and a lot bigger, and physically they’re capable of playing at the varsity level.”

Included in that group of talented juniors are attacker Mike Woonton, midfielder CJ Ziogas, defensemen Sean Paradis and RJ Riddinger, and goalie Andrew Keegan.

They combine with seniors Billy Sullivan and Dan Trainor to complete a veteran group ready to take a huge step as a program.

“Last year, they missed the playoffs with four wins, so our first goal is to get to the postseason. I think we can do more, but I’m not setting those expectations just yet,” said Regan. “The biggest problem with Pelham lacrosse is these kids don’t know how to win yet. I’m hoping to get off to a fast start to show them they have the ability to make this run.”

Freshmen Ryan Ormsby and Richard Sullivan are likely to contribute immediately at the varsity level as well. Both are fast, and Ormsby, though he never picked up a lacrosse stick before this spring, runs like a gazelle, said Regan.

Recently, the Pythons competed at the Nashua Lacrosse Jamboree, and Regan said he was pleased with his squad’s performance.

Pelham beat fellow Division- III squad Gilford and DII‘ s Lebanon. The team also lost to perennial D-I power Nashua South by one goal.