The Varsity Lacrosse team took to the field Thursday to face conference opponent Virginia Episcopal School. With the addition of a wintery mix falling on the field just before game time the Tigers had a huge task in trying to upset the always talented VES Bishops.
VES would strike first shortly after the first face-off, but the Tigers would answer back 30 seconds later with a goal of their own on a score from attacker Walker Thompson with the assist credited to midfielder Tobi Bamisaiye. The middle of the first quarter would see both squads with scoring opportunities with VES adding 3 more goals, while attacker Michael Sullivan added to his goal total on a feeding pass from Steele Burkett. The second quarter of play was controlled by the Bishops of VES as they held the advantage in time of possession and scoring opportunities converted. At the end of the first half the Tigers trailed 9-2.
With the snow and hail falling even harder the two squads would draw almost even through the third as the defense of the Hargrave Tigers found its groove and was able to smother the offensive production until VES netted a single goal late giving them a 10-2 lead. Midfielder Tobi Bamisaiye would find the net halfway through the fourth quarter of play on a solo effort to trim the score to 10-3. The Bishops would again be stifled by the defensive play of the Tigers in the fourth as they were held to only a single goal and a final score of 11-3.
Other notable performances for the Tigers were Defender Ryan Brown whose physical play in the second half along with three ground ball recoveries helped the defense get back on track. Midfielders Mitchell Baker and Stephen Chain also put in a quality effort on both offense and defense. Goaltender Adrian Roman recorded 11 saves on 22 shots for a .50 save %.
The Tigers will look to get back to their winning ways on Tuesday April 9th as they travel to Roanoke to take on the Terriers of William Byrd.
