Featured Image Photo Credit: Saskatchewan Rush
JJ Seaward, Beat Writer Saskatchewan Rush
Lacrosse is Awesome
The two time defending NLL Champions Cup Champions edged past the Colorado Mammoth by a final score of 11-10 to advance to the Champion’s Cup Finals for the third consecutive season. With the victory, the Saskatchewan Rush will meet the Eastern Division Champions the Georgia Swarm in the Champions Cup Final, a series that will no doubt be one for the ages.
The Mammoth would get things started in the opening frame, as Greg Downing would wire a shot past Rush goalie Aaron Bold to put the Mammoth on the board with the first goal of the contest. Shortly following the Mammoth goal however, the Rush would come back with two goals of their own as Mark Matthews and Jeff Cornwall would score a minute apart from each other to give the Rush the lead. The Rush first quarter lead would be short lived however, as Eli McLaughlin and Zack Greer would find the back of the net for the Mammoth to give them the 3-2 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Only three goals would be scored in the second, as the Mammoth would once again score first with Jeremy Noble finding the back of the net. The Rush would follow up though, as Ben McIntosh and Robert Church would convert to tie the game heading into halftime at four apiece.
The game would open up in the third quarter, and the teams would combine for a total of nine goals. McIntosh would get his second goal of the night, as he would wire a shot to find the back of the net on the power-play. Mammoth’s McLaughlin would get his second goal of the night shortly following the Rush goal to keep the Mammoth within striking distance. However, the Rush would quiet those hopes as Matthews; Dinsdale; and Adam Jones would each find the back of the net to give the Rush the 7-5 lead. The Mammoth would storm back with three goals of their own to take an 8-7 lead as Greer; McLaughlin; and
Joey Cupido would find the back of the net for Colorado. However, the Rush would have the last laugh of the quarter as Matthews and Church would close it out to give the Rush the 9-8 lead heading into the final frame of the game.
Saskatchewan would start where they left off, as Ryan Keenan would jump into the fourth quarter scoring a goal only 45 seconds in. Shortly thereafter, Messenger would get an unassisted tally to put the Rush up over the Mammoth 11-8. The Mammoth would attempt a late comeback against the defending champions, as Jacob Ruest and Noble would score to help the Mammoth bring the score to a one goal deficit. However, things would not go their way as the Rush would ultimately hold onto the lead to win the game sweeping the semi-final series. Final Score: Saskatchewan 11—Colorado 10.
With the victory, the Saskatchewan Rush will head to the Champions Cup Finals to face the Georgia Swarm with the hopes of winning their third straight NLL championship.
The first game of the best-of-three game series is set for June 4th at 3:05 CST at the Infinite Energy Arena.
JJ Seaward, Beat Writer Saskatchewan Rush
Lacrosse is Awesome