Blue Ridge’s boys lacrosse team made short work of Virginia Episcopal Saturday in what will, barring a last minute shift in the state playoff seeding, be the last game of the year for the Barons and current head coach Nic Bell, who’s accepted a new job in New York at Trinity-Pawling as the head lacrosse coach and as an English teacher.
“It’s been a great experience, I’ve had great support here and work with some great kids,” said Blue Ridge coach Nic Bell. “It’s hard to leave but it’s nice to leave happy and on good terms.”
The Barons rolled 19-2 past a VES squad in the Virginia Independent Conference championship, missing a couple of key players including their usual starting goalie and playing with a short roster.
Garrett Chan of Blue Ridge gave VES fits by rolling up 11 goals and an assist, reportedly a school record. Chan scored from all angles, on drives from behind the cage and on a few finishes on the doorstep. The Barons passed well throughout the contest, with Tyler Pace, Cory Takahara and Tanner Fisher triggering a lot of the action. Takahara had three assists.
Zak Folks and Chase Fraser had two goals each.
The Barons started with Andrew Wilson in the cage, but played a trio of players there throughout the contest. None of the keepers saw a lot of action, with Blue Ridge controlling possession with solid face-off play.
Blue Ridge jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, dominating offensively as VES tried to adjust to the new lineup.
The game was chippy throughout, and was actually called with under two minutes to play after a scuffle broke out on the opposite end of the field away from the ball and at least one player was ejected.
A 12-10 loss to Middleburg Academy earlier this week might prove particularly costly with regards to the Barons’ playoff chances. However, an overtime loss to St. Anne’s-Belfield and wins over C.M. Wright, Montgomery Bell and Cape Henry Collegiate bolster the Barons argument.
