The Atoms boys lacrosse team has struggled to start the season, jumping out to a 1-6 record and a 0-4 record against district opponents.
The Atoms next game is against the Thomas Jefferson Colonials on April 25. Results from the game were not available at the time of publication, for more information, visit annandaleatoms.net.
AHS has lost six consecutive games since winning their first game of the season, losing their most recent game by a final score of 16-1 against the Justice Wolves.
Senior Gabe Bolin scored the lone goal for the Atoms in the game, marking an offensive breakthrough that has not been common for the Atoms through seven games.
“Having our first full ‘real’ season, we’re adapting and trying to set some sort of play style,” junior Connor Lape said. “We’re putting in the work during practices and we’re definitely improving.”
In the absence senior captain midfielder Alex Silva, seniors Ryan Leyhe and Gabe Bolin have stepped up into increased roles for the Atoms, contributing on both the defensive and offensive attack.
Silva suffered a torn ACL early in the season, and will miss the remainder of his senior season.
As the team continues to develop, several underclassmen have also emerged into star roles for the Atoms.
“I would say that sophomore Christian Pinto has improved and has become one of our best defensemen, and sophomore Kevin Tieu has also shown vast improvement just in his general knowledge of the game,” head coach Bill Maglisceau said.
The Atoms currently sit in last place of the National District, however, with three games to play, there is an opportunity to jump back into contention for a home district playoff game.
“The biggest need for improvement that’s been evident in our games is just being there for each other,” Lape said.
AHS will seek a big improvement in their offensive approach down the stretch. With a more balanced attack and advanced ball control, the Atoms can capitalize and turn scoring opportunities into goals.
Following the Atoms game against the Colonials on April 25, the Atoms will have two district games remaining, against Mt. Vernon on April 28 and Edison on May 3. With wins against both teams, AHS could hypothetically work their way back into contention for the district title.
Mt. Vernon has also struggled to this point in the season, and with a win over the Majors, the Atoms could immediately jump them and avoid the top seed in the district tournament.