St. Anne’s-Belfield coach Mary Blake didn’t have to sweat this one out. Not with her team cruising at the break and eventually winning 19-1 over Steward Tuesday afternoon.
But that didn’t make it any less sweet as Blake enjoyed the blowout win that became her 350th victory as a head coach. It was yet another milestone in an illustrious career that’s spanned 26 years at STAB.
“I’m thankful that I’m at a program with some athletes who are committed and dedicated to the game of lacrosse,” Blake said.
In her time at STAB, Blake has averaged nearly 14 wins per season and led the Saints to a trio state titles in a sport that has only held a state tournament since 2006. She’s also won 12 League of Independent School titles while amassing a 350-63-2 record.
Blake was inducted into the Virginia Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2003.
“There are so, so many memories,” Blake said. “Just to see the people who are assistant coaches or head coaches or people that come back and are working here now — there are a couple of my colleagues who played for me and are working (at STAB) now. Whether they’re going to (play in) college or not ever playing again, it’s just been a great group of kids to work with.”
What’s remarkable about that 14 win per season clip is that this year’s 21-game schedule may be the longest in Blake’s tenure.
“I think this might be the biggest regular-season schedule we’ve ever had,” Blake said. “You play 17-20 games a year and the next thing you know you’re at 350. I don’t really keep track of that, but someone asked me to serve on a board and I was like ‘Oh my goodness, how did that happen.”
Against Steward, Julia Haney poured in seven goals and a pair of assists for the Saints.
