Knighthawks Topple Rock for First Win
January 14, 2016 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
The Rochester Knighthawks picked up their first win of the season tonight as they defeated the Toronto Rock 12-7 at the Air Canada Centre. The Knighthawks improved to 1-1 with the road win and will face the Rock (0-2) again on Saturday in Rochester.
Forward Cody Jamieson, who shined in the season opener, led the way with three goals and seven assists to give him 17 points in two games. He has been on a mission since returning from an injury he suffered in early May. The humble forward, however, deferred the credit when asked about his amazing return.
"If you look at it, I am just kind of passing the ball and everyone else is scoring," said Jamieson. "Our offense is that dynamic that it doesn't matter who is going to shoot the ball. We have confidence that everybody is going to score."
On Saturday, Rochester got production from seven different goal scorers. The Knighthawks also got four-point efforts from Dan Dawson (2+2) and Craig Point (1+3). Cory Vitarelli (2+1), Jordan Hall (2+0) each added a pair of goals, while Joe Resetarits (1+2) and Stephen Keogh (1+0) notched one apiece to solidify the first win of the season.
Rookie defenseman Derek Searle made his Knighthawks debut in the showdown, showcasing his tough defensive play, assisting in limiting the Rock to just two first half goals.
"It was an unbelievable experience," said the Dundas, Ontario native. "It was a dream playing on this team and to finally get into the lineup was a surreal moment, especially playing the ACC where family and friends can come to watch."
What Searle's family and Rochester fans witnessed tonight was a complete effort from the Knighthawks. Rochester jumped out to a 4-1 lead after one and increased that advantage to 7-2 at half. The Rock could only get as close as three goals as Jamieson put the game away with two fourth-quarter tallies.
"I think we really established the way we play lacrosse is five-on-five," said Knighthawks goalie Matt Vinc. "I think we set the tone early. The offense came out and they got us a lead and we settled in defensively. That was a good game from start to finish."
Vinc turned aside 40 shots and was bolstered by an aggressive defensive effort. The same two teams will do it all over again on Saturday, Jan. 16th at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from January 14, 2016
- Knighthawks Topple Rock for First Win - Rochester Knighthawks
- Rock Fall 12-7 in Home Opener to Rochester - Toronto Rock
- Knighthawks Activate Goodleaf - Rochester Knighthawks
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