Justin Ivey, Beat Writer New England Black Wolves
Lacrosse is Awesome
Eight days after battling in Rochester, the New England Black Wolves (4-1) hosted the Rochester Knighthawks (2-3) for part two. The previous weekend, Rochester lost to New England 9-8 at home, a night after losing in Toronto 17-9. Rochester needed to come to New England and win. After winning their first two games of the season, they had now dropped three straight. New England was hosting with a perfect record at Mohegan Sun Arena. The game remained close throughout, but in the end New England came out victorious, keeping their home record unblemished. Final score: Rochester-9, New England-11.
Half of the goals in this game came in the first quarter. The New England offensive stars carried the Black Wolves offense early. Shawn Evans (3G, 3A), and Stephan Leblanc (2G, 2A) each had two goals in the first quarter. The first goal from Evans came just 21 seconds in and set the tone. Kevin Crowley (3G) and defenseman David Brock (1G, 1A) also found the back of the net for New England. Rochester put up four goals in the first, each with a different scorer. Joe Resetarits (2G, 1A) answered Evans’ first goal just 39 seconds later before New England scored three in a row. Kyle Jackson (1G, 3A) broke the momentum followed by a shorthanded goal from Eric Fannell (1G).
Crowley and Leblanc answered back, each scoring on the powerplay. To end the first quarter, Jake Withers (1G) brought Rochester within two goals of the New England lead. At the end of the first quarter, New England led Rochester 6-4.
Rochester started the second quarter strong with Brad Gillies (1G) scoring just 46 seconds in. Rookie Austin Shanks (2G) tied the game just over six minutes later, but for the rest of the half neither team could break through. Both teams had a power play opportunity, but neither could capitalize. Halftime would see New England and Rochester tied 6-6
Photo Gallery-Credit: Justin Ivey https://www.facebook.com/pg/LACROSSEISAWESOME/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1985024658177722
After the half, New England found a bit of momentum. Well, Reilly O’Connor (2G, 3A) found a bit of momentum. After 20:29 of a scoreless lacrosse going back to the second quarter, O’Connor finally gave the Black Wolves the lead back. The second goal was his 100th career point. 25 seconds later, he scored again to get the lead back to two. Resetarits scored his second of the night with 31 seconds left on an assist from Cory Vitarelli (1A). At the end of the third quarter, New England led Rochester 8-7.
Shanks tied the game again just 29 seconds into the fourth quarter, but a three-goal run by New England took control. Two goals from Crowley were sandwiched around a goal from Evans. With only 1:29 remaining, the Black Wolves found themselves up 11-8. Cody Jamieson (1G, 2A) got Rochester one goal closer with the extra attacker on and 1:15 left to play, but the New England defense held strong. Final Score: Rochester-9, New England-11.
Justin Ivey, Beat Writer New England Black Wolves
Lacrosse is Awesome