Blazers come out over Cavaliers in final seconds

APRIL 27, BLAZER STADIUM—

Going into this afternoon’s match-up against the Cavaliers of Kennedy, the boys varsity lacrosse team was coming off of a five-game losing streak and a reorganized team roster due to injuries and players quitting. What they needed was a win.

They got it.

After the two teams traded goals the entire game, senior co-captain Andrew Beach put one in the back of the net with 47 seconds left in the game giving the Blazers a 6-5 victory and a much-needed morale boost.

Since the beginning of the season the Blazers have struggled to find an offensive unit that can consistently score goals. In today’s game, four Blazers contributed to Blair’s six points, suggesting that finally the team has found an offensive combination that proves effective. Beach led the team with three goals and two assists. Senior co-captain Justin Hoy had one goal and two assists. Senior Christopher Stavish and sophomore Nick Mozer each put in one goal.

Yet it wasn’t only the offense that played well in today’s match-up. Goalie, senior co-captain, Andrew Helgeson had 22 saves for the game. According to coach Robert Gibb Helgeson’s performance was really pivotal, especially after sophomore goalie Robert Ginsberg started over him in Saturday’s match-up against Damascus. “Helgeson came up big today,� said Gibb, adding, “ He’s our starter, today he was the man.�

Senior co-captain Erik Kojola also had an outstanding game on defense. Not only did he make several key checks, he was an irreplaceable part of the transition game, receiving clears from goal, moving the ball through the midfield, and even taking a few stabs at offense. Gibb noted that his four captains all had strong contributions to today’s game. “All of our leaders had great games today, they came out and got the job done,� he said.

Blair’s first goal of the game came during the first quarter from Mozer off of a feed from Wilchek. However, Kennedy answered back with one of their own tying the game 1-1 at the end of the first quarter. With 10:17 left in the second quarter of play, Hoy took a strong sidearm shot from to right putting it in the low right corner of the goal off an assist from Beach. Kennedy scored three minutes later, and then with 3:55 left in the half Beach maneuvered through the defense for the goal putting Blair up 3-2 at the half.

Kennedy was the only team to score in the third quarter, evening out the score at 3-3. Then with 10:04 left in the game, Beach and Hoy connected again, this time Beach scored off of a feed from Hoy to put the Blazers in the lead. Kennedy answered back, and then Stavish hit the net once again giving Blair the lead. With just around one minute left Kennedy scored and the game seemed destined for overtime. But Blair won the draw and got it to Beach who scored Blair’s final and game-winning goal.

All in all the Blazers put forth a solid effort with flashes of offensive brilliance that have otherwise been lacking this season. According to Gibb, not only was the win a boost in team morale, but also another “W� against Kennedy since the county developed the lacrosse program seven years ago. “We’re 8-0 against Kennedy. We’ve played them every year and never lost,� said Gibb. “This was a landmark victory, we needed this.�

The Blazers next travel to Gaithersburg for a 5:15 p.m. match up on Friday, April 29. Good luck boys!