Tim Yilmaz, Beat Writer New York Lizards
Lacrosse is Awesome
The New York Lizards (8-4) returned to James M. Shuart Stadium looking to even the season series against the league-leading Chesapeake Bayhawks (8-5). Lizards fans would not be disappointed as their team would go on to defeat the Bayhawks 18-12.
The Bayhawks came out of the gates quickly, as Joe Walters put the Bayhawks on the board. Then New York went on a nice run scoring six unanswered goals. Rob Pannell and Paul Rabil both netted two goals apiece, from inside and outside the two-point arc. Dave Lawson and Kevin Unterstein also found the back of the net in the quarter by beating Bayhawks net-minder Brian Phipps. Despite the Lizards run, Chesapeake fought back with three straight goals from Myles Jones; Jay Carlson; and Brendan Mundorf cutting into the Lizards lead. With seconds left in the first, Tommy Palasek scored giving the Lizards a 7-4 lead at the end of the quarter.
Chesapeake responded with four goals to start the second quarter, courtesy of two lasers from Myles Jones beyond the two-point arc. Jimmy Bitter also made a nice play in front of the net, but thanks to a Coach Spallina challenge his goal was overturned. The Bayhawks had an 8-7 lead. The Lizards closed out the second with five straight goals thanks to some undisciplined penalties by the Bayhawks. The Lizards would lead 12-8 at the half.
The Lizards picked up right where they left off in the third, scoring five of six total goals. Pannell notched a hat trick by speeding past his defender and finding space above goal line extended. Rabil and Lawson both continued to dominate in the offensive zone, adding two more goals apiece. Chesapeake could only muster one goal in the third thanks to the improved play of the Lizards defense. Kyle Hartzell; Kyle Sweeney; Joe Fletcher; Luke Duprey; and Chris Piccirelli played solid. Drew Adams was stout. The Lizards led 17-9 going into the final stanza.
New York continued to have their way with Chesapeake in the fourth quarter as Lawson scorched a shot from just inside the two-point arc, his fourth of the game. The Bayhawks attempted to bring the score within striking distance but their offense faltered thanks to the Lizards defense. Matt Danowski; Kevin Cooper; and Mundorf accounted for Chesapeake’s only goals in the quarter. Final score: Lizards 18—Bayhawks 12.
With this win the Lizards took over first place in the standings. However, the Lizards can’t enjoy this win too much as they travel to Boston to face a very good Cannons squad on Saturday night.
The Lizards would victor saw Coach Joe Spallina surpass Jim Mule and John Detommaso for the most wins in Lizards franchise history.
The Lizards will return home and look to clinch a playoff berth against the Ohio Machine on August 6th at 7:00 p.m.
Tim Yilmaz, Beat Writer New York Lizards
Lacrosse is Awesome