Chatter is nonstop as they lace up their lacrosse shoes. Two girls break away to pass the ball. Two more arrive, one running to hug the other. Courtney Hobbs lets out a warrior's scream. Hot cross buns, Hot cross buns, One a penny, Two a penny, Hot cross buns.
Nobody gives a command, but they all know when it's time.
Slowly, they drift toward the edge of the field and drop down, cross-legged, in a circle. Some close their eyes, others daydream. Tori Wellington , a co-captain, seems to pray. This is meditation, a ritual before each practice. This is the time to center oneself, to picture your best play.