Christopher Crane, Rochester Knighthawks Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Featured Image Photo Credit: Jake Whiting
In one of three games Friday December 29, 2023, the Rochester Knighthawks (3-1) were looking to close out 2023 with a perfect 4-0 record. They traveled to the West Coast to the sunny beaches of California to take on the San Diego Seals (2-1) at Pechanga Arena. This is only the second time the two teams have met with the Seals coming out on top in their previous outing. Tonight would be no different. Final Score: San Diego 17—Rochester 14.
Rochester would battle til the e. keeping the score close throughout, but unfortunately the Seals would secure their second victory over the Knighthawks, marking the first loss for the Knighthawks this season. The Seals’ two three-goal runs made the crucial difference in the game. Ryan Smith (3g 2a) and Ryan Lanchbury (2g 3a) led the Knighthawks with five points each, while Connor Fields (3g 1a) and Thomas McConvey (3g 1a) achieved hat tricks.
The Seals’ Wesley Berg (3g 5a), Austin Staats (3g 4a) and Curtis Dickson (3g 1a) contributed significantly to their team’s success.
San Diego’s 4-1 run in the third quarter secured their lead heading into the final frame. Christopher Origlieri (2-1) stopped 43 shots for the Seals, maintaining their advantage as they outscored the Knighthawks 7-6 in the final 30 minutes.
Dane Dobbie (2g, 6a) would also score back-to-back tallies late in the fourth just 30 seconds apart putting the game almost out of reach. With 3:20 remaining in the contest, Rochester attempted a late comeback with goals from Field and Smith in the last 90 seconds and could not find the back of the net again.
Riley Hutchcraft (2-0) would make his first start of the season after the injury sustained by Rylan Hartley last week against Vancouver, making 39 saves.
GAME STATS:
Rochester Knighthawks—54 SOG; 39 Saves; .736 SV%; 11-35 FO; 3-4 PP
San Diego Seals—53 SOG; 43 Saves; . 796 SV%; 24-35 FO; 1-2 PP
NEXT UP:
The Knighthawks (3-1) have a bye-week and will be back in action on Saturday January 13, 2024, when they host the Buffalo Bandits (1-2) at Blue Cross Arena. Game time 7:00 p.m. EST. Fans in the USA can see the game on ESPN+. Fans in Canada can watch the action on TSN+.
The San Diego Seals (2-1) also have a bye-week and will be back in action on Friday January 12, 2024, when they head to Michelob Ultra Arena to face the Las Vegas Desert Dogs (1-2). Game time 10:00 p.m. EST. Game time 7:00 p.m. EST. This is the Game of the Week for fans in the USA and they can see the game on ESPNU and ESPN+. Fans in Canada can watch the action on TSN+.
Christopher Crane, Rochester Knighthawks Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©