It looks like Albemarle’s figured it out. The come from behind stuff from last year and early this year looks to be in the past. Thanks to an outstanding start, the Patriots were able to spoil Charlottesville’s senior night, a contest delayed because of weather earlier this week, 15-9.
“A couple of our starters just put this on their back,” said Albemarle coach Greg Crow. “Nick Pegg had his biggest of the year today. Matthew Crist’s point total might have been a little low, but his second assists, if this was hockey (he’d have more) because he put it into guys sticks.”
Were it not for Winter Warren’s goal in the first half for the Black Knights, things would have been perfect for the Patriots as they tacked on three first quarter goals followed by four in the second half to claim a 7-1 advantage going into the break.
“We moved the ball pretty well,” Pegg said as he had an efficient night, scoring on every other shot he took. “The transition game was working, the defense got the ball up and then we had good movement.”
The start of the third saw Albemarle take a 9-1 lead before Charlottesville found some life to stop the bleeding. The Black Knights got six of their eight goals in the third quarter with Willis Bocock and Will Stevens getting warm.
“Sometimes you dig a hole you just can’t get out of,” said Black Knights coach Drew Craft. “Tonight we made so many mistakes early, to give them credit – against a quality team like Albemarle – when you make mistakes like we did they capitalize on it, punish you for it. So we didn’t give them an eight goal lead. They earned it. But we gave them opportunities. We started catching and throwing better in the second half, but it was just too late.”
The Patriots defense never allowed Charlottesville within striking distance with a six goal difference in the fourth quarter being the closest the Black Knights could get. Conversely, Albemarle’s offense was able to go to work on the clock and keep the fourth quarter an even 2-2 draw to wrap up the win and the West Central Division title.
“It’s a prideful game and it’s rough when Albemarle and Charlottesville and Albemarle play, but it could well be happening next week,” Crow said.
Pegg’s five point effort between four goals and an assist led the way for the Patriots. Six fellow teammates had a multi-point evening including Crist and Ian Davis who each had a goal and two assists. Kevin Bernardino had a pair of goals and an assist. Zac Willis and Mitch Huber both had two goals. Hunter Brown finished with a goal and an assist. Miguel Loredo had give ground balls.
For Charlottesville, Bocock had a hat trick while Warren and Stevens each had a pair of goals. Warren also had 10 ground balls.
Albemarle wraps up its regular season with Fluvanna County tonight at home at 8 p.m.
Charlottesville awaits its opponent for the WCD tournament next week.
