The Cranston West boys lacrosse team has made its arrival as a Division II contender, roaring to a 3-0 start and beating some of the group’s best teams in the process.

After beating Coventry 20-5 on opening day, the Falcons would edge South Kingstown 11-9 and then beat Cumberland 10-9 on Monday night. Both the Rebels and Clippers were playoff teams last season.

Last spring was West’s first year in Division II after being bumped up a level. The Falcons struggled in their new home, finishing with just two wins. With 16 seniors leading the way this time around, the Falcons have championship aspirations and feel that they have already turned heads.

“It’s the players. We have a lot of seniors this year that have been paving the way. Charlie Maguire has been carrying us along with our goalie Sam Naiefeh,” said West coach Connor Dooley. “We came into the year with a different mindset. Last year was our first year in Division II and we were a little timid. This all started over the summer, the kids were motivated. It’s that mindset of just playing our game and not being intimidated.”

Maguire has surged and leads the team with 15 goals through the first three games. Jack Majcher, Cam Scorpio, Jayden Bogle and Justin Drohen have also been key on offense for West.

With the same core of leaders returning for a fourth season, Dooley has been excited to let them lead the charge now that they have developed a strong foundation. The team’s on-field chemistry has been apparent in the early going, according to Dooley, who also sees urgency in his team as it enters its final season together.

“We’re looking at this like, we have a good team and this is our last ride. In a way, it’s kind of all or nothing for us,” Dooley said. “Instead of starting from step zero like we did last year, we’re already 10 steps ahead. We’re building every day. We’re letting them play, they feed off each other, things open up a lot more this year because we set the groundwork with our sets and formation. That comes from playing together for three years, it’s second nature.”

Getting off to a strong start has also helped the players feel validated as they look to climb the ranks.

“Our win against South Kingstown was a statement win. They won the conference last year, so it’s good to show the guys with that win that we can compete with anyone,” Dooley said.