The Varsity Lacrosse Team took to the field Tuesday evening to open its VIC Conference play against the Celtics of Roanoke Catholic, which has become an informal tradition over the past several seasons. Last seasons meeting saw the Tigers victorious by a score of 9-8. This season the Tigers were looking to create a statement win within their conference and Tuesday brought just that.
The teams locked horns with each other for much of the first quarter as the score stayed 0-0, but midway through the Tigers struck first as midfielder Cadet Garrett Peterson converted a clearing effort by Cadet Collin Ferguson in to the first points of the game. Peterson would find the net a second time only one minute and fifteen second later with Cadet Justin Malinow receiving credit for the assist.
Catholic would find the back of the Hargrave net twice late in the first quarter to manage a 2-2 draw at the conclusion. Attackmen Cadet Michael Sullivan would open the scoring efforts by the tigers in the second quarter of play. Cadet Chris Brunetti would add two more goals to the Tigers first half totals with Peterson credited for one assist. Sullivan and Brunetti would connect as the half ran down to put the Tigers up 6-3 as halftime approached. An early series of penalties in the third by the Tigers gave the Celtics the opportunity they needed and the early three goal lead was gone and the two were locked up even once more AT 6-6.
The Stalemate did not last long as Attackmen Cadet Michael Sullivan converted a solo effort allowing the Tigers to regain the lead. Cadet Justin Malinow would find Sullivan for a goal conversion in the final minutes of the third quarter of play allowing the Tigers to regain the lead 8-6.
The final quarter of play would show the Tigers ability to close out a game as they began a five goal run with a goal by Sullivan off of a Clearing feed from Cadet Luke Dewitt. The Celtics would get within two points of the tigers lead midway through the fourth cutting the score to 9-7. The Tigers would respond to the Celtics goal with with two back to back goals by Brunetti with Sullivan credited with one assist. In the final minutes of play Brunetti again would find the back of the net twice with Ferguson credited with one assist to lift the tigers in to the victory column 13-7.
The defensive play of the Tigers was consistent throughout the game due to their team play and communication. While all of the defense played well Cadets Collin Ferguson, Dewitt and Logan Mitchell had noteworthy performances. Goaltender Cadet Adrian Roman recorded his second win of the season and had 12 saves on the day.
The Tigers will take some time off for spring break but will be back in action Saturday March 22 against John Paul the Great in Richmond, Va. Gametime is set for 10:30 am at the Steward School.
