Game 7 Preview: BayHawks Host Rival Lizards for Chesapeake Celebration Night in Annapolis
July 19, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chesapeake Bayhawks News Release
Jesse Bernhardt of the Chesapeake BayHawks
(Chesapeake Bayhawks)
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Chesapeake Bayhawks' Head Coach Dave Cottle is like a mad scientist - constantly experimenting and tweaking to create the best possible roster to contend for the Steinfeld Trophy.
Though he is focused on the playoffs and a championship, Cottle is still pleased with his team's success on their two-game win streak. Chesapeake (4-2) will look to make it three-in-a-row when they host the New York Lizards on Saturday, July 20th at 8:00 PM EST in Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium before the league's All-Star break.
Cottle has been pleased with the development of his offense which is averaging almost 14 goals per game. Attackman Lyle Thompson has been the catalyst and leads Major League Lacrosse (MLL) in scoring with 37 points (25G, 12A).
"Lyle Thompson has been unbelievable. He's playing at an extremely high level and has lifted the entire offense," Cottle said. "Lyle is a very unique player and it takes time to get a feel for how to work with him. When Lyle dodges, there are times he wants his teammates to clear out and other times when he wants them to stay there to create traffic. Steele is like a coach on the field and has great instincts. He's doing a good job of getting into position to be an outlet in case Lyle gets double- or triple-teamed."
In his role as Chesapeake's General Manager, Cottle signed rookie attackman and University of Tampa product, Andrew Kew, from the MLL Player Pool. In his three games, the rookie has been a revelation. The left-handed Canadian has scored eight goals, displaying an ability to catch and shoot.
"Kew is a fantastic finisher and has become a very nice complement to Lyle and Steele on the starting attack," Cottle said.
Kew's emergence has enabled the Bayhawks to switch Colin Heacock to midfield - a shift which paid off for the first-time Major League Lacrosse All-Star last Sunday. Heacock substituted out of the box then dodged down the left alley to score a highlight reel goal off a crank shot.
Cottle is counting on increased production out of Heacock, who has gotten off some great shots that just have not found the back of the net. The former University of Maryland standout ranks second on the Bayhawks with 38 shot attempts, but Heacock has only converted on 18.4 percent of these.
"Colin has been as unlucky as anyone in league. I think he's hit eight pipes," Cottle said. "Last year, Colin shot 31 percent and I think you'll see him get back to that level. It's only a matter of time before Colin starts finishing more often."
Heacock transitions to the Chesapeake midfield that has been elevated by the play of former Penn State Nittany Lion Ryan Keenan. Keenan, who was acquired in a July 2nd trade with Dallas, is a feisty, lightning-quick dodger with a hard, accurate shot. The midfielder has contributed six points (4G, 2A) in three games since joining the Bayhawks.
"Ryan Keenan has been excellent and has helped this team a great deal. Ryan is tough, athletic and competitive. He gets a lot of tough groundballs," Cottle said. "I think we've added several good pieces that have helped the offense. Those new players are integrating into the unit and we're getting better."
Kenny Massa, who was selected by the Bayhawks in the 2019 MLL Disbursement Draft, has proven to be a solid faceoff specialist for Chesapeake. The second-year pro ranks third in the league with a .550 faceoff win percentage (minimum 50 faceoff draws) and has given the Bayhawks chances to start new possession opportunities on offense. Cottle does hope, however, to see improvement from his faceoff wings to assist Massa who has been working hard to win at the faceoff X.
Goalkeeper Niko Amato has anchored a defense which dealt with adversity this season. Amato, boasts a .487 save percentage and had one of his best outings of the season last Sunday in Dallas. Currently, the former Terp is the best MLL starting netminder with rebound control, only giving up rebounds on 49 of his saves.
Veteran Jesse Bernhardt is the leader of the close defense, which has welcomed many new faces this season. Greg Danseglio has played well for the Bayhawks in his three games since being signed from the MLL Player Pool. Chesapeake will get two key parts back this week as Chris Fennell (hamstring) comes off Injured Reserve while Warren Jeffrey returns from his one-game suspension.
The defense's return to strength is coming just at the right time since the Lizards attack features Rob Pannell (13G, 15A), Dylan Molloy (15G, 3A) and Ryan Walsh (7G, 0A). Molloy did not play in the first meeting between the teams in New York, which Chesapeake won, 16-14.
"Offensively, the Lizards are extremely talented. That attack is extremely dangerous," Cottle said. "Defensively, the Lizards are long and lean and slide hard to the ball. Austin Kaut is one of the better goalies in the league."
To bolster their team this week, Chesapeake signed attackman John Wagner from Marquette and two-way midfielder Kevin McNally. Wagner is expected to make his Major League Lacrosse and Bayhawks debut this weekend with Steele Stanwick unavailable for the game. He will wear 97. McNally, a UAlbany grad, played two games earlier this season for the New York Lizards. In each game, the midfielder scored a goal. McNally is also expected to dress and will wear 72.
Meanwhile, faceoff specialist Noah Rak was placed on the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) List with a hamstring injury. Jack Doyle and Cole Blazer, who were added to the Active Roster last week in Dallas, have been added to the Practice Squad.
Watch the Chesapeake Bayhawks take on the New York Lizards of Rivalry and Chesapeake Celebration Night in Annapolis on July 20th at 8:00 PM. The game will be broadcast live on MyTV Baltimore and streamed on the Major League Lacrosse official website.
With the expected high temperatures, fans are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle with them into Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and hydrate throughout the game via water stations provided by Annapolis Green. An airconditioned room will be accessible to fans who may feel faint and need to cool down. First aid will be available (located behind Section 1 on the concourse) and can help any fan who requires assistance. The Chesapeake Bayhawks encourage all fans to hydrate before and during the game and take proactive actions to make sure they are safe to enjoy their gameday experience.
Tickets for this game are available at thebayhawks.com/tickets or can be purchased through the Chesapeake Bayhawks Ticket Office by calling 866-99-HAWKS or emailing sales@thebayhawks.com. Come early to the Lexus Tailgate Zone, starting at 5:30 PM, featuring a car smash, live band, photo booth, games for kids, Bruster's Ice Cream, and complimentary Bud Light for ticket holders 21 and older.
Before this game, fans are able to attend an exclusive meet and greet with the Chesapeake Bayhawks' 2019 MLL All-Star Players starting at 5:30 PM EST. Fans can RSVP for this event by using promo code ALLSTAR40 at thebayhawks.com/tickets or by clicking HERE. This $40 offer includes access to the meet and greet, a FREE Bayhawks All-Stars poster, FREE ticket to Saturday's game and a FREE ticket to the 2019 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game in Annapolis, Maryland. For those who have already purchase tickets to the All-Star Game OR this Saturday's game, please contact the Chesapeake Bayhawks Ticket Office at 866-99-HAWKS or sales@thebayhawks.com for information on how to upgrade.
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 Jesse Bernhardt of the Chesapeake BayHawks |
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