Christopher Crane, Rochester Knighthawks Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome
Featured Image Photo Credit: Scott Cordaro
In a clash that promised intensity from the first whistle, the Rochester Knighthawks (5-6) faced off against the formidable Albany FireWolves (10-3) on Saturday March 9, 2024, in a home-and-home series at Segar & Sciortino Field at The Blue Cross Arena. Fresh off a historic win, the Knighthawks were determined to maintain their winning momentum and they did just that. Final Score: Knighthawks 18—FireWolves 12.
The Knighthawks took control early, establishing a 2-0 lead with impressive goals from Connor Fields (6g, 5a) and Kyle Waters (3g, 2a). Despite Albany’s Tye Kurtz (3g, 2a) responding with a goal, Rochester’s offensive prowess shone through a three-goal run, including a hat trick from Fields and a contribution from Thomas McConvey (4g, 2a). The FireWolves retaliated with scores from Travis Longboat (1g, 3a) and Marshall Powless (1g, 3a), narrowing the gap to 5-3. Rochester’s McConvey and Albany’s Sam Firth (3g, 1a) exchanged goals in the closing seconds, leaving the score at 6-4 in favor of the Knighthawks after the first period.
In a thrilling second period, Albany would mount a comeback, outscoring the Knighthawks 5-3 and going on a four-goal run. Ryan Smith and Kyle Waters delivered for Rochester, but Kurtz, Jackson Nishimura (1g, 1a), Ethan Walker (1g, 4a), and Firth propelled the FireWolves to a 9-9 tie heading into halftime.
The third period witnessed a resurgence from the Knighthawks as they outscored the FireWolves 4-1. Albany’s Alex Simmons (2g, 3a) notched the lone goal, while Fields and Smith showcased their scoring prowess, securing a 13-10 lead for Rochester at the end of the third.
Fourth period would see much of the same result as the third with the Knighthawks outscoring Albany 5-2. Albany opened the scoring at the 12:12 mark on a goal from Firth making it a 13-11 game. But Rochester opened up and went on a five-goal run over the next nine minutes. McConvey netted two and teammates Smith, Waters and Fields put up one score a piece. With .02 left on the ticker, Albany would put up one more with Simmons finding the back of the net.
In a stunning turn of events, the Knighthawks sealed the deal with an 18-12 victory, handing the red-hot FireWolves their third loss of the season.
Leading the charge were standout performances from Connor Fields (6g, 5a), Ryan Smith (5g, 5a), and Thomas McConvey (4g, 2a). Despite Albany’s efforts, Rochester’s dominance, particularly in the third and fourth periods, secured a memorable win for the Knighthawks.
STATS:
Albany FireWolves—SOG 64; Saves 33; Sv% .647%; FO 26-33; PP 1-3
Rochester Knighthawks—SOG 51; Saves 52; Sv% .813%; FO 7-22; PP 2-3
Stars of the Game:
Connor Fields—Rochester Knighthawks: 6g, 5a
Ryan Smith—Rochester Knighthawks: 5g, 5a
Tye Kurtz—Albany FireWolves: 3g, 2a
NEXT UP:
The Rochester Knighthawks (5-6) will head MVP Arena for a rematch against the Albany FireWolves (10-3) on Saturday March 16, 2024, game time 7:00 p.m. EST. Fans in the USA can see the game on ESPN+. Fans in Canada can catch the action on TSN+.
Christopher Crane, Rochester Knighthawks Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©