Patriots strike first blood with Blazers

After winning the boys' lacrosse tournament at Clarksburg High School over the weekend, Blair's varsity lacrosse team hoped to show a strong presence in their first home game against the Wootton Patriots. Although the Blazers came out faster and more competitively than in recent years, the team fell to the Patriots due to a lack of precision in passing and an inability to clear out the defensive zone. The Patriots, who were Maryland State Finalists in 2007, overwhelmed the Blazers 12-2.

The Patriots wasted no time as senior Jordan Montasano scored three unanswered goals in the first quarter. All three goals were a result of quick Patriot passes in front of the goal, forcing senior goalie Mark Goodman into constant pressure. "We knew they would be dominant offensively," said Goodman.

Blair was able to respond within the first quarter after a long lob from junior co-captain Andy Holmes found senior co-captain Jamie Binns downfield. Binns skillfully dodged Wootton defenders to get a clear shot and the Blazers' first goal.

The two teams demonstrated their physical style of play, as both showed their willingness to check. Junior co-captain Mike Mozer and Holmes tallied checks throughout the game, helping Blair win back possession.

In the second quarter, the Blazers were bombarded with pressure in front of their own net, forcing them to stay on defense for the majority of the half. Despite having these defensive setbacks and giving up four more goals before the half, the Blazer offense – spearheaded by Mozer and senior co-captain Tim Visclosky – used their agility and organization to set up numerous plays and attacks on Wootton.

These designs would only yield one more goal for Blair, which came from Visclosky in the third quarter on a drive to the goal. The team cited its frustration on missed opportunities.

Assistant Coach John Holt later reflected on the game's outcome. "[It was] a tough loss, but we played very well against a very strong team," he said. "But, the guys really stepped up their game…Blair lacrosse is on an upward trend, and we see no signs of stopping."

The Blazers' next home game is against the Kennedy Cavaliers on April 10 at 7 p.m.