A senior-dominant team is equipped to handle the ups and downs of a lacrosse season.

That’s a big reason Dakota was able to bounce back from a rugged end to the regular season and open the Division 1 state playoffs with a 21-3 win against East China United Friday in a regional first-round game.

“We had a rough past few weeks but we were just excited to get back out here — first playoff game, last home game for the seniors,” said Jacob Bajis, one of the best defensive players in the state.

“Going into the season we had 19 seniors and we knew we had to step up. The underclassmen had to step up, too. We just all brought each other in and we move as a pack. Everyone tries to lead each other. No one tries to stand out.”

All but one of the last five regular season games were decided by two goals or fewer and the Cougars went 2-3 to finish with an 11-6 record.

“We had a couple close wins and a couple close losses and we learned from those,” said coach Mike Benavides. “I have great coaches. They give their energy to these boys and they give it right back. When we talk, it’s all about attitude and effort. These 19 seniors are resilient and love to play with and for each other.

“We’ve had great seniors in the past but this collective group has helped change the culture — a lot. Everything they do from weight room to winter training to being good students in the classroom. Seventeen of 19 seniors are going to be MAC (Macomb Area Conference) All-Academic. I just want them to enjoy the last few weeks however long it lasts.”

Evan Adamski, who contributed four goals to the Cougars’ top offensive production of the season, wasn’t worried that Dakota’s mini-slump would continue.

“We have a run-and-gun style game so we know that if we shoot our shots they’re going to eventually fall,” Adamski said. “We’re playing great teams. Great teams play great teams. To get better you have to play the best.

“Playing great teams on the road is really tough but it gets us ready for games like this where we can come in and execute like we did at home tonight. And it gets us ready to go deeper into the playoffs where we’re in more uncomfortable situations.”

Defense has been a key to Dakota’s success this year.

“The big thing is communication,” Bajis said. “You always have to have your boys’ back. You have to be able to feel it when a guy slides. He has to know you have his back.”

It didn’t take long for the Cougars to take command against East China, which finished 3-5 in the MAC White this season. The game was 38 seconds old when Alex Karr notched the first of his six goals. By the end of the first quarter Dakota’s lead was 9-1.

Max Viviano’s second goal of the game 24 seconds into the fourth quarter gave the Cougars an 18-goal margin and ended the contest on a mercy rule.

Adamski had a simple explanation for his scoring outburst.

“Honestly, hiding the ball from the goalie,” he said. “The other guys were doing a great job getting underneath.

Other guys were having great nights, too, so they were drawing slides and doubles and it wound up with me being open.”

Jake Brender notched three goals for Dakota, while Jack Brender, Drew Callison, Lucas Parks, Bajis, Brock Ferguson and Jack Gordon scored one goals apiece.

Hunter Hansen scored twice for East China and Matt Jones had the other goal.

Dakota advances to the regional semifinal at Lake Orion on May 22 against the winner of the L’Anse Creuse North-Port Huron first-round game.