Alex Flagg’s stove-popped popcorn with Tajin seasoning, which contains chile peppers, salt, and lime, must be the fuel that powers Bishop’s highly-ranked girls lacrosse team. Despite a recent playoff loss, something is going awfully well, and it’s reflected in the fun-loving, relaxed vibe that characterizes the team’s three captains – Flagg, a midfielder, the only senior of the three captains; Eileen Mahler, the “silent assassin” on attack; and Sydney Yockey, a defensive wing, the latter two juniors. “We like to keep it relaxed,” says Yockey, the youngest of the trio at 16. The threesome took time out for a photo in front of one of the goals on the field then returned to Coach Meghan Carr’s office to chat and pass around popcorn (not Alex’s type) and M&Ms. Standing with a 14-1 overall record, the Coastal League title already clinched on the eve of the Lady Knights’ final regular season game, didn’t hurt the mood. “One of the strengths of the team is we don’t get down,” the captains echo. “We’re huge on lifting each other up,” says Mahler, a key scoring threat. In fact, the other two identify Yockey as the leader who “picks the team up when we’re down.” “We’re happy playing,” says Flagg, whose energy continued through the lively interview. “We’re happy to be together.” Case in point: Bishop’s trailed rival La Jolla, having a good year, 10-7 with seven minutes to play at home. The Lady Knights held it together, scored four unanswered points in the last four minutes, and won 11-10 in a cliffhanger. Carr’s unit lost its three star senior captains to graduation last year, so Bishop’s didn’t really know what to expect for this season. Several new girls came in, Yockey explained, and though they were new to the sport of lacrosse, “Because they stepped up, we’ve been successful.” Yockey, at 5’9″, could be an imposing defender to face off against. On the culinary side, besides the trademark stove-top popcorn cooked in oil favored by the self-named “Flagg or Swagger,” Mahler goes for Oreo milkshakes. The ones at Mr. Frosti’s are a favorite. Yockey is partial to sushi and ramen and other Japanese food. “Eileen is our go-to scorer,” says Yockey of her offensive counterpart. Mahler’s speciality is a crease roll, a shot coming around the net to score. It is a goalie’s nightmare. Flagg, the eldest of the three at 18 and 5’2″, “is very aggressive with her shots,” says Yockey. Mahler agrees: “She’s not afraid to push through. She doesn’t shy away from a challenge.” “Sydney is really good at defense and picking the team up,” say her teammates. Carr refused to single out one athlete for recognition and so wanted the spotlight to shine on all three of her captains: “We don’t have a star,” she said. “All 25 girls play a role.” Carr says, “We don’t play according to where we’re placed. We play to win.” Bishop’s, despite the momentum going in, suffered a narrow 11-10 loss in the Lady Knights’ initial playoff game in the Open Division May 9 to Canyon Crest. Flagg scored five goals. Bishop’s was seeded fourth, Canyon Crest fifth.