The Episcopal Academy (Pa.) girls lacrosse team was set to begin its season Tuesday. Instead, players are preparing on their own, just hoping the season eventually gets started.

The COVID-19 outbreak led Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to close schools in the Commonwealth for 10 business days beginning Monday, and all sporting events and team practices have been canceled in the meantime. Episcopal Academy hopes to re-open March 30.

Other areas of the Mid-Atlantic are expecting longer layoffs, and many high school lacrosse coaches in the region are wondering if games will even be played at all.

“The thought of our season being over before it’s even begun is gut-wrenching,” Episcopal Academy coach Josie Ferri Tomaino said. “The unknown is challenging for everyone, but especially for the seniors who have one final season with no extra year of eligibility.”

Ferri Tomaino said her players remain focused on “training hard, staying positive and supporting each other” however they can during the time off from formal lacrosse. Even if play never begins, Ferri Tomaino ​reminds the athletes they have other things to work toward.

“We have been framing the situation as an opportunity for our girls, both on a team and on an individual level,” Ferri Tomaino said. “We want to be ready to compete and win the league if school and athletic programs resume this spring. If we don’t come back, we want to make the best use of this time anyway. Many of our seniors are getting ready for their first year of college lacrosse, juniors are preparing to take over as team leaders, sophomores are gearing up for a big summer of recruiting and freshmen are continuing their individual development and growth.

“Whatever the reason, our kids need to stay physically active, optimistic and connected during this difficult time. Lacrosse is helping us do just that.”

In other parts of the Mid-Atlantic, where play had already begun, conference games and championships are still in doubt. Most of the schools in the region are closed for several weeks.

The league executive committee for the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association announced in a statement that all athletic activities for member schools will be suspended through March 29, effective Monday.

“The leadership team will continue to assess conditions over this time period and will release an updated statement for the league on Monday, March 30,” the statement said. “Until then, our concern remains focused upon the health, safety and well-being of our student athletes, coaches and supporters. "

The emotional toll on coaches and players has been hard, as many expressed feelings of confusion, fear and sadness regarding what the future holds.

“Obviously, it’s frustrating and disappointing,” St. Mary’s (Md.) senior Will Tominovich said. “You put so much time in. You work so hard all year waiting for the season to come around. It is especially disappointing with this being my senior year, my last chance at an MIAA championship, my last time playing with some of my best friends — friends I’ve played with since I was 5.

“But, I also understand and respect the decision. Safety comes first. I’m hopeful that the season resumes and we get a chance to finish what we started.”

Calvert Hall (Md.) boys coach Bryan Kelly expressed sympathy for his seniors potentially having their season cut short but noted that he respects and is pleased with how the MIAA has handled the coronavirus situation.

“Watching these kids, especially our seniors, work so hard and to potentially have our season cut short would be extremely difficult,” he said. “I am really grateful for the way the MIAA is handling this difficult situation. I am extremely optimistic that we will have our season.”

Bullis (Md.) head coach Jeff Bellistri said his program has suspended practices and competition until April 6 at the earliest.

The Bulldogs (2-1) opened their season March 3 and played their most recent game March 12 before postponements took effect Saturday.

“Through the leadership of our captains and seniors, the team understands the seriousness of this event and realizes that this is not about them but our country has a situation that we must do our part to help deal with,” Bellistri said. “They will continue to work out and keep their skills sharp in preparation for the future. Bullis lacrosse hopes to be back on the field later this spring and will prepare accordingly.”

Ridgewood (N.J.) girls lacrosse coach Crysti Ellen said things changed quickly for the Maroons. One day they were preparing for the season, and the next it was put on hold.

The Maroons had scrimmages canceled Saturday, and the season was set to begin this week.

“I don't think there's any right or wrong,” Ellen said. “Everyone is just trying to do their best and follow whatever procedures are necessary to stay healthy and safe. However, I do feel for our entire team, especially our seniors. It's my job as the leader to find creative ways to keep them connected, positive and focused on staying safe. I told our team we can't control the circumstances. It's bigger than sports. We can only control how we respond to this tough situation.”

Seton Hall Prep (N.J.) implemented a "wait-and-see policy.” The school is shut down until March 22, at which point the situation will be re-evaluated.

“Obviously, other schools may be doing things a bit differently, but our hope is that we can get some part of our season,” Pirates coach Ross Turco said. “We've asked our athletes to function under the assumption that we will play at some point.”