Nansemond-Suffolk Academy’s girls’ soccer team took on Steward School at home Friday and got a 3-1 win. The win puts them at 1-1 on the season.

It was an impressive victory for NSA, considering the full team has been together on the field for only about a week. Some of the players on the team were a part of the state tournament in girls’ basketball and have just now joined the team.

“There were a lot of questions marks coming into the week,” NSA coach Mike Dick said. “For the last three weeks, I hadn’t had any of my players practice all together at any point. I was very impressed by how some of them played together as a sub-unit of the team. Next week we will have an even better feel and rhythm.”

Dick tried different formations on the field Friday afternoon, and it led to a successful win for the Lady Saints. Abby Herrod had all three goals for the Lady Saints. Herrod, an all-conference player last year, returns as the top offensive player for the Lady Saints this year. Dick describes her as the engine that runs the Lady Saints offense. Kelly Hogan has also returned for the Lady Saints this year, and she anchors the team’s defense.

Last year, NSA relied on the top brakes and their speed to beat teams. This year, Dick thinks his team will be more well-balanced.

“I think our attack will be much more well-balanced this year,” Dick said. “They are very competitive and smart players.”

NSA has the goal of hosting a home playoff game this season, which means they will need to be among the top four teams in the region. Dick believes that will be a good stepping stone for his team as they compete throughout the season. He wants his team to play in as many tough games as possible, because he feels that they push his team to get better each time out.

“I want to play in as many competitive and hard fought games as I can,” Dick said. “Games where they are in doubt until the final whistle. All of that helps get better and potentially helps us qualify for the state tournament.”

NSA will take on Windsor High School on the road at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

NSA 3, Steward School 1

NSA — Herrod (3), Plott (ast), Lutz (ast), Meyers (ast)