Sure, Covenant lost a couple of key players to graduation, and several important seniors weren’t in the mix Tuesday for the Eagles. But the fact is, Western Albemarle’s boys lacrosse team got off on a completely different foot this time around.
The Warriors picked up a 12-3 win over the Eagles, reversing last year’s score where the Eagles romped to a victory by nine goals.
“This is a much different start to the season,” said Western coach Brad Haws. “It feels good.”
Turner Whitworth sparked the Warriors, pouring in four goals. Whitworth helped fuel a strong start for Western as the Warriors built a 9-2 lead before halftime and then held Covenant in check after that. Whitworth paired with Abbot Wallenborn on attack as Western leaned on a 4-2 offensive set.
“Our third attackman is up high sort of as a middie,” Whitworth said. “We have an offense where (Wallenborn and I) work off each other, set picks for each other, it’s pretty fun.”
The approach worked as Western’s offense got going quickly. Wallenborn dished out two assists to go with a goal.
“Those guys understand the movement so well that they’re the key together,” Haws said. “If one of them is dodging, the other guy knows where to be to get the assist and take the shot.”
Senior Tyler Ward, who was mostly a defensive midfielder last season, finished with a hat trick.
“He’s a pleasant surprise,” Haws said. “He’s got a really hard shot and he’s such a good athlete that he’s running by guys.”
Western also got goals from Kenny Gaspa, Reid White, Owen Wangensteen.
Covenant battled, and got a pair of goals from Kholes Ghodine. The Eagles also improved in a big way in the second half, limiting the Warriors to three goals after the break.
“We’re really young and we were missing several seniors today,” said Covenant coach Rich Little. “It really affected sets and chemistry. We just were very passive, we weren’t aggressive on defense and I think that’s just because of youth.”
Covenant will look to bounce back against Christchurch Thursday, while Western takes a long break before taking on Salem in its first district game March 27.
