THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 31, 1996 TAG: 9603290225
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 25 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: FROM STAFF REPORTS
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
The Nansemond-Suffolk softball and baseball teams, previewed in earlier issues, are not the only Saints teams expected to contend for titles in the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools.
The boys lacrosse team returns seven starters, including six seniors, from last year's third-place squad.
``It's an excellent group as far as their willingness to work,'' coach Trent Blythe said. ``I have a nice, solid group of leaders in my three senior captains (Tom Oast, Nick Garbarino, Justin Verdirame). I have a core of returning seniors who are doing an outstanding job as well.''
Cape Henry Collegiate and Hampton Roads Academy are expected to challenge N-SA for the TCIS lacrosse title.
In golf, the Saints will be shooting for their fourth straight TCIS title, while in girls soccer, N-SA is part of a much improved TCIS, in which Norfolk Academy is the favorite.
Here are previews of Nansemond-Suffolk teams from information provided by coaches:
BOYS LACROSSE
Coach: Trent Blythe
1995 record: 5-10
Key performers: Tom Oast, Sr., midfielder; Nick Garbarino, Sr., attacker; Justin Verdirame, Sr., goalkeeper; Trey Parker, Jr., attacker; John Morgan, Sr., attacker/midfielder; Garrett McGehee, Sr., midfielder; Bryan Sharp, Jr., midfielder; Will Webb, Sr., defender; Ben Goins, Sr., attacker; Jacob Johnson, Jr., midfielder; Brian Pack, Jr., midfielder.
Outlook: Blythe has stated the Saints' goals as winning the TCIS and receiving a bid to the state tournament. To pace the effort, he will rely on his six seniors, including All-State performer Oast and All-TCIS goalie Verdirame. The Saints bring an aggressive groundball game and a tenacious work ethic to the game.
GOLF
Coach: Rick Van Orden.
1995 record: 24-2-1.
Key performers: Sean Dougherty, Jr.; Ryan Lambert, So.; Eddie Bagnell, Sr.; C.T. Harry, Jr.
Outlook: Returning all-conference golfers Dougherty and Lambert lead the Saints, who have started 4-0 this season. The three-time defending champions lost three key members but will challenge strongly for their fourth title.
GIRLS SOCCER
Coach: Tom Gill
1995 record: 7-12-1
Key performers: Jill Van Guilder, Sr., midfielder; Betsy Bagnell Sr., midfielder; Katherine Stewart, Sr., defender; Bria O'Berry, Fr., midfielder/forward.
Outlook: First-year coach Gill says the team plays one of the toughest schedules in the area. N-SA has experience as 12 of its 17 players are seniors. Van Guilder and Bagnell were first-team All-TCIS last year. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
N-SA's Nick Garbarino goes over and through Fork Union's defense in
a recent game.
by CNB