Chris Crane, Beat Writer Rochester Rattlers
Lacrosse is Awesome
With the National Lacrosse League season coming to end with just a few games left; Major League Lacrosse will be beginning their season in tomorrow April 23. This game will be a rematch of last years championship game with the Rochester Rattler’s traveling to Long Island to take on the New York Lizards. Rochester is looking to avenge last year’s loss and make this game an exciting one, and of course take the win to set the tone for the season early. Rochester returns with most of their players from last season. They as most of the 2015 teams lost some players with the new expansion team Atlanta Blaze. Although some fared worse than others, it seemed Rochester turned out a bigger winner from that draft.
Rochester also signed some good picks in the regular draft mainly adding depth at the midfield position. They also picked up defenseman Matt Dunn from Maryland to fill in for the unsure return of Mike Manley; and lastly selecting Albany goalie Blaze Riorden. But adding to the offensive end is the return of the Offensive Player of the Year Jordan Wolf who I wouldn’t be surprised would be teamed up with Ty Thompson.
However, the New York Lizards also are looking to make a dominating statement to take the win from the Rattler’s as the Lizards have a hand full of talent on their roster as well. As the Rattler’s have the Offensive Player of the Year, the Lizards have Joe Fletcher who took Defensive Player of Year honors in 2015. The Lizards also picked up Cody Jamieson; and have returning Rob Pannell; Paul Rabil; and Jo Jo Marasco.
Overall on paper, the match up looks in favor of the New York Lizards; but the teams that come out on top are those who can get their chemistry working first which the Rochester Rattler’s are returning with a group of guys who have been together for a while. They have come up with big wins when it counted and were in every game until the very end all last season.
It would be safe to say they are hungry for the win and have been in training camp putting in the extra work they feel will put them on top for this game and the end of the season with hopes of having the championship returning to Rochester.
Chris Crane, Beat Writer Rochester Rattlers
Lacrosse is Awesome