In the second matchup of the season, HRA edged NSA 9-8.

Nansemond-Suffolk Academy boys’ lacrosse team went on the road Thursday afternoon to face Hampton Roads Academy for the second time this season. HRA took the first meeting 12-10 at NSA and recently took the second meeting 9-8 at HRA.

The game was close and tough the whole way through, and even though they lost, Coach T.W Johnson believes he saw some good things from his team Thursday.

“Our special teams (Extra Man, Man Down, and Face-offs) were very good,” Johnson said. “Our defense earned some key stops late in the game to give us a chance to climb back in the game. Offensively, we generated shots from high percentage areas. To their goalie’s credit, he made some good saves.”

NSA believed that they had chances to win the game Thursday. Johnson said when teams are evenly matched, getting ground balls and taking care of the ball are critical, and he doesn’t feel his team did well in those areas.

“I do give our players credit for not giving up,” Johnson said. “We were down three goals, and they clawed their way back and gave the team a chance to win.”

Eli Dowd led the way with four goals scored for NSA. The Saints’ record is now 4-3. The Saints were also ranked No. 5 in the most recent Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association boys’ lacrosse Division II poll.

NSA will face Covenant School on the road at 4:45 p.m. Saturday.

Hampton Roads Academy 9, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 8

HRA Goals: Post 3, Revere 2, Gessner 2, Reid

NSA Goals: Dowd, E. 4, Wren 2, Birdsong, Dowd, S.