Blazer attack can't get into Hornets' hive

APRIL 23, DAMASCUS

The boys varsity lacrosse team was clearly the inferior squad in a not-so-hotly contested match-up against the Swarmin' Hornets of Damascus that ended in 16-2 loss for the Blazers.

From top to bottom the Hornets proved the stronger team, capitalizing on fast breaks and transition plays offensively and shutting down the Blazer attack for three of the game's four 12-minute periods.

Despite the high score, Blair goalie, sophomore, Robert Ginsberg had an amazing game in net for the Blazers recording 25 saves. During one play in the third quarter, the Hornets had an unmarked offender positioned in front of the goal. As the pass was made to him Ginsberg stepped out of the goal to body check the Hornet sending him, and the ball, flying out viable shooting territory. Because of Ginsberg's fearless play in the net, he had more saves per quarter than goals scored on him.

According to senior co-captain Andrew Beach, Ginsberg's strong goaltending wasn't going to be enough to stop the Hornets. "They were a fast team that took advantage of their opportunities in front of the cage," he explained, adding, "Our defense actually had an OK game, and Ginsberg was good, [Damascus] just knew how to capitalize on the times they had open space in front of the net."

The few times that Blair was able to retain possession of the ball all the way into their offensive territory, the Blazers scored. Twelve seconds into the third quarter senior co-captain Justin Hoy bounced a powerful shot into the bottom right corner of the net off an assist from Beach, giving the Blazers their first goal of the game. With 4:05 left in the third, Beach recovered the ball after a dropped first shot and hit the top left corner of the net for Blair's second, and last, goal.

Over the past few games the Blazers have faced some of the county's strongest opponents while dealing with a forever shifting team roster due to players quitting, injuring themselves and skipping practice. Their next match-up is Wednesday April 27 at 3:30 p.m. at Blazer Stadium. The Blazers look to up their record to 3-5 with a strong victory over Kennedy.