By Chris Goldberg
TopLaxRecruits.com, Posted 11/15/21
WILMINGTON, Del. – Benjamin Andrews had to thank the VB Roughriders (VA) coaches and defense for helping his team rebound from a 2-goal halftime deficit in Saturday’s key High School Division matchup with Blak Widow (PA)
“I think our coaches got our heads together and helped us to stay composed,” said Andrews, a 2023 midfielder from Floyd Kellam HS. “The big part was the great job by the defense, giving us opportunities to get those goals.”
Andrews was a key for the attack as he scored twice to help the VB Roughriders rally from 3-1 and 4-2 deficits and forge a 5-5 tie. The VB Roughriders finished the day 2-0-1 as unofficial champions.
“Toward the second half we kept our cool and played the game we were supposed to play,” said 2023 defenseman Ryan Devlin of Ocean Lakes HS. “We played as a team more and actually locked off on defense.”
The VB Roughriders were formed 3 years ago as part of a transition of players from the former V3 and 757 programs. Directors Tom Locke (V3) and Tommy Lewis (757) were coaches for the previous programs that were absorbed into the VB Roughriders, whose goal is to offer an elite travel program for players in the Virginia Beach area.
“We all merged together to keep the local kids together,” said Locke. “We always wanted a local opportunity for kids so they don’t have to go to a team based in another city. I had a strong group and Tommy had a strong group so having our core kids come together gave us strength. It’s good for the families of the Virginia Beach area.”
Added Devlin: “A bunch of us played together on the teams before VB Roughriders and we are all friends and do everything together. It’s like a family.
Locke said the Roughriders also played well the previous week at the Inside Lacrosse Fall Invitational Session 1 in Maryland.
“We have a lot of competitive players competing against each other, making each other better,” said 2023 midfielder Aiden Burke ( Floyd Kellam), who had the game-tying goal. “And we have fun and that makes practice and games more enjoyable for each other.
“Personally, it’s like a family to me. And this week I think we played better than we did last week at Inside Lacrosse.”
Said Andrews: “I think Aiden and Ryan said it, but we are like a family and everybody gets along so well and is so close. That helps us on the field.”