Patriots Chase Perfection

Pinecrest girls lacrosse has spent years building toward a season like this. Now, with an undefeated record and a team firing on all cylinders, the Patriots are seeing that vision come to life in a big way.

At 17-0 overall and 8-0 in conference play, Pinecrest sits firmly atop the standings, ranked No. 2 in the state and among the top 100 teams in the country. The dominance shows in the numbers as well, outscoring opponents 327-77 and taking down cross-county rival Union Pines twice along the way.

But for the players who have been part of the journey, this season means more than just wins.

“I’ve played through the ups and downs over four years,” said senior Peyton Page. “The past few years we’ve been rebuilding, and it’s been fun, especially with this being my senior year.”

That long-term growth is something the entire team feels, even the younger players stepping into the moment for the first time.

“It’s been very exciting,” said freshman Eden Whitefield. “For years, we’ve been anticipating this season and talking about it and now it’s finally here. It’s been so much fun.”

For seniors like Tate Butka, the season represents both success and a meaningful ending.

“It’s my senior year, and just being able to play with an amazing team it’s been a wonderful experience and a great way to end my high school career,” Butka said.

That mix of experience and youth has helped create a unique chemistry, something that shows up every time Pinecrest takes the field. The bonds go beyond the game itself.

“It’s been amazing to play with my sister, who’s a freshman,” Page said. “Watching her and her friends, who I’ve known for a while, be on the same team has been a lot of fun.”

“I’ve played with most of these girls for eight years,” Butka added. “They’re my friends, not just my teammates. It’s my favorite part of the day, getting to come out here with them.”

Whitefield echoed that same feeling.

“I love playing Pinecrest lacrosse we’re like a close family,” she said.

That family atmosphere is exactly what head coach Jacqueline Page believes sets this group apart.

“The thing that makes this team so special is the bonds they’ve created,” Page said. “They want to be around each other all the time. It goes beyond teammates. they’re like family.”

That connection has translated directly into success on the field, but the team isn’t satisfied.

“We want rings, and we want to finish perfect,” Peyton Page said. “We’re taking it one game at a time to keep our streak going.”

“The state championship is the last step,” Butka added. “We have our eyes set on it and want to leave it all out on the field.”

Even with those big goals, the approach remains grounded, something reinforced daily by the coaching staff.

“Coach Jackie always tells us to treat every game like it’s our state championship,” Whitefield said. “She says pressure is a privilege, so we work as hard as we can every day.”

That mindset is part of a bigger philosophy.

“We always talk about long-term and short-term targets,” Coach Page explained. “The state championship is the big picture, but right now, we’re focused on what’s directly in front of us. When they stay in the moment, that’s when they’re at their best.”

It’s a balance that has allowed Pinecrest to handle both expectations and success without losing focus something not every undefeated team can manage.

For Coach Page, the season is about more than just results. It’s about watching her players grow, both on and off the field.

“Seeing them develop over the years—into leaders, into students preparing for college—that’s what stands out,” she said. “And for some of them, these are the last times they’ll get to share the field with teammates or even siblings. So we’re really trying to soak in every moment.”

That perspective adds even more meaning to an already special season—one built on relationships, resilience, and a shared goal.

And while Pinecrest has already accomplished plenty, the journey is far from over.

The Patriots return to action Friday, May 1, hosting Myers Park at 5 p.m., looking to keep their perfect season intact and continue chasing history.