By Duncan Nixon
CORRESPONDENT
On March 17, the Fluvanna County boys lacrosse team opened its season against Rockbridge County High School, which traveled from Lexington for the first of three non-district games.
The first half was largely a defensive battle, with neither team scoring in the opening eight minutes. Fluvanna broke through with 3:58 remaining in the first quarter, scoring from in close. Senior goalie Colton Ball made several key saves late in the quarter to preserve a 1-0 lead.
Defense continued to dominate early in the second quarter. Midway through the period, senior attackman Jack Jefferies made an end-to-end rush and fired in a strong shot to extend the lead to 2-0. Rockbridge responded with two quick goals to tie the game, but Fluvanna regained the lead with four minutes left in the half on a goal by junior Bruce Bostic.
The Flucos came out strong after halftime, scoring three times in the first half of the third quarter to take a 6-2 lead. Junior Brady McCauley scored at the 11:22 mark, followed by a goal from Cooper Tapscott with 10:36 remaining. Senior Joe Jones added another midway through the quarter.
Rockbridge, however, responded late in the third, scoring twice to cut the deficit to 6-4.
The Wildcats carried that momentum into the fourth quarter, scoring two more goals to tie the game at 6-6. Tapscott briefly put Fluvanna back on top with a goal midway through the period, but Rockbridge closed the game with three unanswered goals to secure the 9-7 win. Several Wildcats players were able to push inside late, controlling the final minutes.
Fluvanna traveled to Kettle Run High School on March 21 and will play at James Monroe High School on March 23. The Flucos open Jefferson District play on March 27 at Albemarle High School before returning home April 3 to host Monticello High School.
