20 years ago, the Rose men’s lacrosse team faced off against New Bern High School for the first time in the school’s history. They did go on to lose, and while the lacrosse program kept gaining progress, every year they struggled to get over the hump and beat their biggest rival. Last week, over 20 years removed from their first loss to the Bears, they met their goal, winning 16-10 at home.

     Sophomore Midfielder Elliott Ward led the Rampants with six goals and an assist, with fellow sophomore Brody Jones adding a goal of his own, while also providing four assists. 

     “I played pretty well,” Ward said. “I put a few goals in the back of the net and helped my teammates.”

     Rose has played close with New Bern the last few games, losing by only three the first time this season and losing by four and five in their two matchups last year. Head Coach Tarhy Alford has encouraged the Rampants to take the momentum they’ve gained each year into their last matchup and into the 2023-24 playoffs. 

     “Anything is possible,” Alford said. “Sometimes words only mean so much, but now the boys have seen it and believe it.”

     Ward’s six goals added to an impressive campaign this season, as he has amassed 47 goals and 64 points this season, putting him in the top 75 in the state in terms of points this season. His stellar play on the field has made him a leader in the locker room, even as an underclassman.