Collegiate upends Albemarle

In a matchup that featured two of the best lacrosse teams in the state, Collegiate ended Albemarle’s unbeaten season Monday night 13-6.
The visiting Cougars jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead not even two minutes into the contest. Albemarle battled back to tie the game at 2-2, as sophomore attacker Connor McCullough scored the first of his three goals, then assisted Brent Montgomery, but Collegiate went on to score five in a row, and went into halftime with a 9-4 lead.
Albemarle coach Pat McAdams knew coming into the game that Collegiate would present the toughest challenge that the Patriots have faced so far this season.
“Deep down, this was a game that we felt we could win, and ultimately just didn’t do enough,” said McAdams.
The Patriots (11-1, 9-0 Commonwealth District) responded and dominated the third quarter, as they outscored the Cougars 2-0 and cut the lead to just three. Collegiate’s depth, athleticism and physical play proved to be too much though for the Patriots down the stretch.
“Overall, I was pleased with the effort we put forth,” McAdams said. “I think as a team, we could’ve been more consistent throughout the game. You really have to play four completely solid quarters to beat a team like Collegiate.”
Stanley recalled losing to the Patriots two seasons ago when his squad was perfect against in-state teams, and was expecting that Albemarle would bring the same intensity on Monday night.
“[Albemarle is] a good team, they were undefeated for a reason,” said Collegiate coach Andrew Stanley. “I love playing this game at this point in our schedule. It doesn’t allow us to rest and get lazy going into our state tournament because they push us every single year.”
The Cougars were led by attackmen Ben Sauer and Clay Timmons, who each finished with three goals. Stanley credited his up front success to the play of his midfielders.
“[Sauer and Timmons] finished the opportunities we asked them to, and without hard-working middies, attackmen can’t score,” said Stanley.
Collegiate (12-5) out-shot Albemarle 54-24 and won the groundball battle 52-46. Despite a myriad of shots, AHS senior goalie Gus Cramer came away with 21 saves, and McAdams praised his fourth year keeper’s performance.
“Gus Cramer had a phenomenal game. I thought he did everything he could within his ability to save the ball, and I think he had a heck of a game,” said McAdams.
Albemarle will play its final two regular season games at Mountain View and St. Christopher’s this week before next Monday’s Commonwealth District quarterfinal.
“We talked about how this game has no bearing on our ultimate goal,” he said. “For better or for worse, we learned a lot of things, and I think everybody in that lockerroom was prepared to take those lessons and get on the practice field, get better, and look forward to the next game.”