The Flucos, who are only in their second year of play in lacrosse, were overwhelmed by their more experienced opponents. Western Albemarle scored four times in the opening quarter. Although junior Matt Fragola and sophomores Josh Satterly and Mikey Fragola all made good runs with the ball, the Flucos were unable to score, and it was clear that the outcome would not be favorable for the Flucos.
The Warriors opened the second quarter with two quick scores to make it 6-0 with 10:50 left in the quarter. The Flucos held their own for the next six minutes as neither team was able to put the ball in the goal. Unfortunately for the Flucos, the Warriors then erupted with a flurry of four more goals in three minutes to make the score 10-0 with two minutes remaining.
With forty-one seconds left in the half, the Flucos got on the scoreboard, as sophomore attacker Austin Early scored on a nice pass from Matt Fragola. The Warriors scored with two seconds left in the half, for a score of 11-1 at the break.
In the third quarter Fluco sophomore midfielder Jake Mooney made several nice plays, but the Flucos again were unable to score. Western Albemarle built its lead to 15-1 with four goals in the period. The final two of these goals came in the last minute and a half of the quarter.
In the final quarter, the Warriors scored once for the final score of 16-1
After the game, Coach Matt Taylor noted that his team is still learning and is still not as adept as the opposition in some skills, such as gathering up ground balls. The Fluco face-off men seemed to hold their own against the Warriors in digging out the ball and sending it in the direction they wanted. However, the Warriors were almost always able to scoop up the ball and go on the attack. When the opposing team scores and then consistently gets the ball right back it is very hard to come away with a victory. In his post game interview, Coach Taylor cited junior defenseman Johnny Douma and attacker Austin Early as two players who performed well.
Despite this loss, the Fluco lacrosse team is making progress. Last year, in its initial season, the boys’ team was winless. This season, Coach Taylor reports that his squad is 3-5 overall, but 0-4 in the tough Jefferson District. In addition, the team is mostly underclassman, who will be back for one or more seasons.
This was senior night for the Flucos and the five seniors on the roster were introduced and escorted on to the field by one or more parent. The seniors are: Adam Austin, Andrew Baum, Josh Carmack, Spencer Benton and John Marshall.
The Fluco lacrosse team has completed its home schedule, as their remaining contests are: April 30 at Charlottesville High, May 7 at Monticello High School and May 10 at Albemarle High.
