The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy boys’ lacrosse team had three players make first team All-State.

The NSA team had a solid season this year, and it showed by the accolades the team received. The Saints fell one game short of the state championship after a loss to North Cross School in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association Division II semifinal.

NSA was still able to get its fair share of recognition for All-State teams. Leading the way was senior Eli Dowd, making the first team at one of the attack positions. Dowd led the team in scoring and surpassed the 100-goal mark for his career this season.

“It is nice to be able to go out on a personal high note,” Dowd said. “Especially after a tough semifinals loss, this is good to hear for my teammates and me.”

Will Wren and Caleb Evans also were selected to the first team. Wren made it at midfield, while Evans made it on defense. Wren and Evans both played a pivotal role in the development of the Saints’ season this year.

“It feels great to be recognized by opposing players and coaches,” Wren said. “To be able to make first team was a huge accomplishment.”

Aside from Dowd, Wren and Evans will be returning next year to form what should be a solid core returning for NSA. The Saints felt good enough about its chances to possibly win a title this year despite some hiccups.

“I think the success we had is what we expected of ourselves,” Dowd said. “I honestly think we could have won it all, if not for some untimely offensive struggles in the second half of that semifinal game.”

NSA exceeded where they finished last year and will hope for that to continue next year.