ADAMS TWP — There was no sophomore slump for Mars Lacrosse.

In its second year of existence, the organization, known as Mars Alien Attack, expanded from 43 players and two teams in 2009 to 92 players and four boys teams last spring.

Included were the two original third and fourth grade teams as well as a pair of fifth and sixth grade squads.

"This past season, we were able to use the high school stadium for our home games," said Mars Lacrosse president Vince Grieco. "We got to play on the turf and that was a big step for us, raising the profile of our program."

The third and fourth grade Blue team went 15-1, while the Gold squad went 14-2. Forty percent of the teams' members were first-year players.

At the fifth and sixth grade level, the Blue team was 11-5 while Gold was 7-9. Sixty percent of those players were in their first year.

The fifth and sixth grade teams competed at a tournament at Cranberry Township's Graham Park in May and both went 3-0.

Grieco, who coached the third and fourth grade Gold team, was one of 17 coaches involved with Mars Lacrosse last spring. He and the other mentors had a unique way of holding practices that included inexperienced players and those in their second year.

"Early in the season, when there was a big difference in the level of experience between the players, we made the second-year kids play with their off-hand," Grieco said.

"If they were used to using their right hand, then we'd make them use their left. That way, they would improve their game while practicing with the first-year players."

Possibly the most important aspect in the brief history of Mars Lacrosse is that all players receive adequate attention.

"They all get an equal amount of playing time," said Grieco. "And they play all positions. We don't just stick the best kids out there. We follow a rotation schedule."

Some of the Attack's players are getting experience outside the program.

About 20 of them took part in an indoor league last winter.

Later this month, a traveling team including 11 Mars players will compete in the 'Summer Sizzle,' a tournament in Baltimore.

"It's a pretty big tournament and will be a great experience for the kids," said Grieco. "Our kids' stickwork may be a couple of years behind the other teams, but athletically, they can keep up with anybody."

Mars' coaches have also done their part to make sure they are in position to help the program move forward.

"Back in February, USA Lacrosse held a coaches clinic in Pittsburgh," added Grieco. "Eleven of our coaches gave up their entire day to go. The most any other program sent was six."

Next spring, the Attack hopes to expand to a team that includes seventh and possibly, eighth graders.

"That's going to depend on when the high school plans on having a team," said Grieco. "We don't want to have a team for eighth graders if there won't be a high school team for them to play on when they're freshmen.

"At the beginning of the school year, we're going to talk with the school board and find out what their plans are."