In just a 48-hour span, the West Genesee girls lacrosse team would get a close-up look at two long-time rivals bent on snatching the Wildcats’ long-held crown. First, WG welcomed Fayetteville-Manlius Tuesday night, and a fast start proved the key in a 12-7 victory over the Hornets. F-M, who lost to the Wildcats in last year’s Section III Class A final, also saw a lot of roster turnover, and it started on April 1 with a loss at Baldwinsville before an easy win at Rome Free Academy. Meanwhile, the Wildcats found itself determined to avoid the slow start it had against Liverpool on April 4, which it did, despite the falling snow. By controlling most of the draws, WG could possess the ball and slowly wear down F-M’s defenses. With Maria DiFato breaking free and scoring with regularity, the Wildcats built up an 8-2 edge by the time they reached the break. After playing at such a high level, the Wildcats cooled off in the second half, enough to let the Hornets make up some of the margin, but not get close. DiFato finished with five goals, with Bre Hudgins and Karlyn Tupper each getting two goals and one assist. Morgan Corso, Katey Hart and Sarah Brown each scored once, with Kara Datellas joining Hart in the assist column. Morgan Axenfeld, with four goals, was responsible for most of F-M’s offense.