It was a serendipitous twist of fate that brought the 2008 All-Central Virginia baseball coach of the year together with his overachieving Albemarle team. And while the Patriots’ season ended on their bus rather than on the diamond, the foundation is set for a return trip to the state tournament.

On Tuesday, Albemarle’s baseball team drove away from its Virginia High School League state tournament quarterfinal down 5-4 in the middle of the fifth inning to defending Group AAA champion James River. The Patriots left with the assurance they’d be back Wednesday for a chance to rally and extend their season.

Albemarle High School’s baseball team was accustomed to bouncing back from adversity. In fact, the Patriots thrived on such situations.

In spite of the discussion, the VHSL ultimately decided to call the game after just four and a half innings of play, but not until both teams were well on their way home.

For two years, Albemarle left fielder Vince Coles waited and developed on the Patriots’ junior varsity team. That time allowed Coles to settle into high school while learning the ropes from older players.

A veteran lineup combined with a strong pitcher proved to be the one-two punch that Colonial Forge needed to get past Albemarle in a Commonwealth District matchup Wednesday night.