The Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools tournament got underway on Wednesday as the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy boys’ lacrosse team defeated visiting Bishop Sullivan Catholic High School by the score of 11-7.

Though the Saints were hampered by penalties, they played strong when they needed to take control of the game. Senior Harris Howell, playing in his final home game as a Saint, had four goals and two assists. Junior Jacob Edwards rifled in four goals, while junior Brandon Witherow and sophomores Addison Peak and Whit Riddick scored one apiece.

Junior goalkeeper Dan Hotte had 12 saves, and junior Ian Jackson was the ground ball leader with eight.

The Saints entered the TCIS tourney off the momentum of last Friday’s 10-7 home win over the Richmond Lacrosse Club to end the regular season. NSA fell behind early, but the ball control, face-off play and goal scoring of Howell kept the Saints in the game. He registered four goals and two assists.

Edwards led Nansemond-Suffolk with five goals. Riddick scored once, while Peak had three assists and junior Michael Tyler Lepore chipped in two more. Jackson and sophomore David Gough provided excellent defense.

NSA’s post-season continued last night when it traveled to play the No. 1-ranked Norfolk Academy Bulldogs in the TCIS semifinals.