The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy boys’ lacrosse team came out firing against Virginia Episcopal School and won 11-7 in the first round of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II state tournament.

NSA head coach Jeff Forman stated that the Saints controlled every aspect of the game. The defensive unit of junior Ian Jackson, sophomore David Gough, senior Parker Mizelle and junior Zach Leitner shut down the Bishops’ attack and provided excellent clearing to transition the ball into the offensive end. Senior Harris Howell led the team in ground balls and controlled the face-off X, winning 14 of 17 attempts.

The high-powered attack unit lit up the goal early and often. Junior Jacob Edwards led all scorers with four goals and two assists, sophomore Whit Riddick added three goals and Howell had one goal and two assists. Junior Michael Tyler Lepore scored twice and logged an assist. Additionally, sophomore Addison Peak ripped a highlight shot into the goal over the goalie’s right shoulder. Junior Dan Hotte was stellar in the goal for the Saints, rejecting 16 shots.

Fourth-seeded NSA will travel to Randolph-Macon College to play the top-seeded Covenant School in semifinal play on Friday at 1 p.m.