The Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools boys’ lacrosse tournament presents a sizable challenge for Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, but the Saints started it off right on Monday.

The No. 3 Saints defeated visiting Norfolk Collegiate School 15-8 in the first round of the TCIS tourney.

“I think we were solid,” NSA coach T.W. Johnson said, evaluating his team’s play. “I think when you get into the playoffs, any win is good because you get to keep playing.”

Nansemond-Suffolk improved to 3-0 this year against the Mighty Oaks, having defeated them 9-7 and 10-4 during the regular season.

After his team’s 15-goal output on Monday, Johnson said on Tuesday, “I think our attack played, overall, well.”

He cited deciding factors of the game as being fresher legs and good transition play.

“I think the No. 1 thing yesterday was probably our depth, and the ability to put more people in the game than they could,” Johnson said.

Helping illustrate the Saints’ depth was the fact they had seven different goal-scorers and eight players who generated points.

Senior attackman Whit Riddick had four goals and one assist, senior midfielder Addison Peak added three goals and two assists, sophomore attackman Tanner Jackson contributed two goals and four assists, junior midfielder Noah Serianni registered two goals and one assist and junior attackman Noah Dowd had two goals.

Senior defenseman Grant Leicester and freshman attackman Eli Dowd each scored one goal, and senior defenseman David Gough recorded an assist.

NSA’s starting goalkeeper, senior Mac Hardee, was not feeling well on Monday.

“We pulled him out of the game in the first quarter and put his brother in, and (freshman) Austin Hardee played really well,” Johnson said.

The Saints (12-4) faced host Cape Henry Collegiate School on Tuesday afternoon in the TCIS tournament semifinals, and before the game, Johnson said, “We’ll have to continue to improve today against them.”

Nansemond-Suffolk played the Dolphins once during the regular season and lost 12-5.

“I still think our best lacrosse is in front of us, and so we’re hoping that could be today,” Johnson said.

With a win, NSA will advance to Thursday night’s TCIS tournament title game held at Virginia Wesleyan College.