The Toll Gate boys lacrosse team is breaking out in Division III and has established itself as a contender this spring season as it sits at 7-1 in league play.

After beating the odds and reaching the semifinals last season, the Titans have returned much of the same lineup and picked up right where they left off as they are eyeing another deep postseason run.

Senior leaders Jacob Pickering, Sean Mullaney and Brady Martin have been three of the most productive players in the division along with junior Cooper Grossguth.

“We had pretty much everyone return last year and had another big return this year. (Pickering, Martin and Mullaney) have been great leaders and they set a great example. Performance-wise they are off to a hot start, they’re exceeding my expectations,” said Toll Gate coach Ezra Cox, who is in his second season at the helm.

A trio of sophomores have also made an impact and provided some depth.

“We always go by the next man up mentality. Nick Napolitano has taken a huge step forward as a defenseman and is playing really well, as well as our goalie Chris Schifino. Drew Mullaney has been a huge asset to our offense and has produced points on off-ball plays and has helped them get into the flow on the offensive side,” said Cox.

Toll Gate entered the week in second place in Division III, trailing undefeated Westerly. The Titans were set to take on third-place Smithfield on Tuesday but the game was postponed due to weather.

As Toll Gate gets set for the home stretch of the regular season, Cox is looking for his team to keep grinding and stay focused on the task at hand.

“We need to have the mentality of not giving up and pushing through all four quarters. You have to win one quarter at a time,” said Cox, who also hopes experience will pay dividends. “You play the games for a reason, when you think a game is going to be an easy win, that’s usually when you lose. Playing together last year has really helped their chemistry, they’re hunkered down and want to be playing in June. Having that experience last year has helped, they know what to do to get to the big game.”

The Titans will next take on Narragansett on Thursday at home.