At least the role for the Skaneateles boys soccer team is clearly defined going into the Section III Class B playoffs. True, the Lakers are one of the top contenders, but it doesn’t face the massive pressure that undefeated top seed Westhill has to deal with, and two defeats to the Warriors this fall (1-0 in September, 4-0 in October) means that no one would make them the favorite to win it all. Still, Skaneateles has plenty to be excited about, as it closed the regular season strong, starting with last Monday’s 2-0 shutout over Solvay. Much of the game was spent in the Bearcats’ end, the Lakers getting all kinds of chances. But though Solvay goalie Davis Kippen had 14 saves, he gave up one goal in each half as Austin Amory and Kieran Daley scored and assisted on each other’s tallies. A trip to Chittenango on Thursday night followed, and the Lakers did enough to get past the Bears 3-1, stepping out and taking a 2-0 halftime lead and cruising the rest of the way. Three different players – Sam Clymer, Tyler Strods and Jack Bailey – earned the three goals. Amory picked up two assists, while Ryan Higman also earned an assist. Skaneateles has the no. 3 seed in the Class B tournament. With a first-round bye, the Lakers got a chance to rest and practice for more than a week before hosting Saturday night’s quarterfinal, against either no. 6 seed South Jefferson or no. 11 seed Holland Patent. It will kick off at 7:30.