Mars’ Cole Yoshioka (7) celebrates after scoring a goal Wednesday against Peters Township. Yoshioka is the leader of a staunch for the Planets. Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle

ADAMS TWP — Cole Yoshioka does not hear his name called during games nearly as much as those of his teammates playing near the opposing net, but his play is just as vital to the team’s chances of another long postseason run.

The senior defender recently became the first player in program history to force 100 turnovers and is the leader of a defense giving up less than five goals per game.

Yoshioka is one of four team captains, joining Jack McKenzie, Dom Caldwell and Enzo Grieco.

“He’s taken on a leadership role with the defense, making sure our guys back there are where they need to be,” said Mars coach Bob Marcoux. “Cole also played football and has a linebacker’s mentality. He’s quick and strong.”

Yoshioka helped the Planets close the regular season with a 14-7 win at home over Peters Township on Wednesday. The Planets led 14-4 with five minutes left before allowing three late goals.

A key contributor to Mars’ run to a state title in 2022, Yoshioka hopes he and his teammates will be playing well into June once again.

“Defensively, we’re not as strong as we need to be,” he said. “I think we have as much talent on that side as we did the last few years, but there’s some things we need to tighten up. Giving up five goals in one quarter tonight proves that.”

His position doesn’t allow Yoshioka many opportunities to score, but he beat Peters Township goalie Ben Skiles in the third quarter.

“That was my first goal of the season,” he said, laughing. “It felt good to get one. I was 0-for-6 on shots before that.”

Marcoux lauded not only Yoshioka’s ability to halt opposing attacks, but jump-starting that of the Planets (14-3).

“He’s so good with the stick and is terrific in transition,” he said. “Lacrosse is a team game and Cole is a team player.”

Yoshioka will continue his playing career at Wagner College in New York City.

Leading Mars in scoring Wednesday was sophomore Jack Tirch, who scored four times. Ben Bowser, Ian Coulter and Henry Saver each found the net twice. Scoring once apiece were Gael Avalos, Dylan Phillips and Ryan Blake.

Luke Spreng earned the win in net with four saves.

Mars (24) Enzo Greico gets checked by Peters Twp. (37) Micah Moser during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

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Mars (6) Cole Dermitt plays defense and checks Peters Twp. (33) AJ McGarrity during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

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Mars (8) Dylan Phillips dives for the ball over Peters Twp. (5) Nick Courie during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

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Mars (4) Gael Avalos gets hit as he carries the ball with Peters Twp. (5) Nick Courie during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

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Mars (41) Luke Spreng makes a save against Peters Twp. during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Mars (1) Ben Bowser gets past Peters Twp. (38) Alex Rose during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Mars (7) Cole Yoshioka passes the ball over Peters Twp. (8) AJ Vasilko during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Mars (7) Cole Yoshioka and (24) Enzo Grieco celebrate a goal against Peters Twp. during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Mars (5) Jake McKenzie wins the ball against Peters Twp. (13) Sam Gorgonio during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Mars (33) Josh Wilburn fights for the ball with Peters Twp. (18) Will Shafer during WPIAL Class 2A section two lacrosse game at Mars Athletic field on Wednesday May 8, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)