Winning the ground ball battle isn’t just about maintaining possession. It’s about creating opportunity, and Covenant’s boys lacrosse team created enough opportunities Thursday night in a crosstown battle with Western Albemarle to pick up a 9-6 victory over the Warriors.
With a 29-16 advantage on ground balls, Covenant controlled possession and put the offense in position to score often enough to hold off the Warriors.
“29-16? That’s the game right there,” said Covenant coach Mike Gardiner.
Sophomore midfielder Jay Gaffney’s six pick ups and Spencer Godine’s five led the way for the Eagles, but 12 different Covenant players came up with ground balls in a complete team effort.
Those ground balls led to a couple of transition goals and a balanced offensive effort in general, with attackmen Walker Cross and Peter Garland leading the charge with two goals and an assist each. But more importantly, the advantage helped Covenant withstand a fourth quarter rally by the Warriors that came after the Eagles built a 6-3 third quarter lead.
Western pulled within a goal on Justin Haws’ third goal of the night at 7-6 with 5:15 to play. The Eagles managed to take time off the clock and then a couple of late penalties allowed Covenant to ice the game with a couple of goals including Garland’s second tally.
The Eagles continue an ambitious early season schedule Wednesday on the road against Collegiate in Richmond at 4 p.m. Western gets a week-long break before facing North Stafford Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
