THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 4, 1996 TAG: 9604020144
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
NANSEMOND-SUFFOLK Academy. Hampton Roads Academy. Cape Henry Collegiate.
The Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools used to be a pushover when it came to lacrosse. Not anymore.
Five years ago, Norfolk Academy was terrorizing its less competitive conference foes, then settled into the more competitive Virginia Prep League. Things in the TCIS are changing. The three local teams have stepped up their conditioning, toughened their players and conquered the mental game, heightening the level of play within the conference. Now, the three will battle for the No. 1 spot.
Nansemond-Suffolk receives a slight nod in the preseason, returning seven starting players from their No. 3 team of last season, including six seniors.
``It's an excellent group as far as their willingness to work,'' coach Trent Blythe said. ``I have a nice, solid group of leaders in my three senior captains (Tom Oast, Nick Garbarino, Justin Verdirame). I have a core of returning seniors who are doing an outstanding job as well.''
But to win, the Saints must overcome a charged-up Cape Henry squad. Two years ago, coach Scott LeHew coached the junior varsity Dolphins to an 8-1 season. Now those players are juniors, and LeHew has moved to the varsity. Their strength is their core of 10 returning players.
The Saints and Hampton Roads Academy have each added Norfolk Academy to their schedule this season.
The three-time defending state and Virginia Prep League Bulldogs show no signs of trailing off. Coach Tom Duquette returns ace attackman Drew McKnight, a two-time All-American who signed with the University of Virginia in the early signing period as the Bulldogs vie for a fourth straight championship.
Teams in The Virginian-Pilot's coverage area competing in lacrosse are:
[The rest of this story is not available electronically. For complete text, please see microfilm.] by CNB