MLL Charlotte Hounds

Hounds Snap Losing Streak, End Lizards' Bid for Undefeated Season

June 20, 2015 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Charlotte Hounds News Release


HEMPSTEAD, NY (June 20, 2015) - The Charlotte Hounds on Saturday night came out on top of a back and forth battle to beat the previously undefeated New York Lizards 13-12. While face-off specialist Greg Gurenlian and goalie Drew Adams dominated the game for the Lizards, the Hounds were able to capitalize on opportunities to win the game. Hounds goalie Pierce Bassett saved shots at crucial points of the game, ending with 12 total saves. Coca-Cola Player of the Game Joey Sankey scored two goals, adding up to 22 points in just four MLL appearances. Tommy Palasek and Matt Gibson each had three goals for the Lizards.

Gurenlian won the game's opening faceoff, but the Lizards couldn't capitalize. Meanwhile, on the Hounds' first possession, Mike Chanenchuck scored with a shot on the run to put the visitors up 1-0 in the first minute. Shortly after, John Haus assisted from top to bottom to Kevin Cunningham to put the Hounds up 2-0. Gurenlian continued to control the face off, going four-for-four to help Gibson answer back with two goals, and one each for Palasek and Hakeem Lecky. It marked the first career goal for Lecky, who was given the opportunity to contribute as Paul Rabil sat out with an injury. Sankey finally found Terry Kimener from behind the crease in the 10th minute, leaving the Lizards up by one at the end of the first.

The Hounds were unable to connect until 3:39 into the second quarter, when Bassett made a save and sent it to defender Michael Ehrhardt, who riffled a two pointer to put the Hounds up by one. Sankey added another with a shovel shot around the crease. Rob Pannell scored one for the lizards, but Jake Tripuka responded despite a hold by the Lizards, keeping the Hounds up by two. Gibson and Palasek scored again within the final two minutes to leave the game tied up at the half, 7-7.

In the third quarter, Mike Stone came out strong for the Lizards with a fast break goal, putting the home team back in the lead. But the Hounds put together a three goal streak, J. Haus with two and Cunningham with one, making the score 10-8 with 6:40 to play in the third. Pannell, Ned Crotty and Palasek answered with their own three goal streak, putting the Lizards up by one at the end of the quarter.

Stone opened the final quarter with another goal to continue the Lizards' streak two. But Hounds rookie Will Haus scored his first MLL career goal, off of a pick by Ehrhardt, to make the score 12-11 Lizards. Sankey scored another slide to the ground goal to tie it up with just under five minutes remaining. Cunningham finished off the win and earned a hat trick with 3:16 left in the game. Ehrhardt made a smart play in the last 20 seconds after a holding penalty on the Hounds by not picking up the ball, killing some of the clock and solidifying the Hounds win.

This marks just the second victory for the Hounds this season, both of which have come on the road. The team had lost six straight coming into the rematch with the New York. The Lizards, who were wearing pink jerseys for breast cancer awareness, got handed their first loss and move to 8-1 on the season, though they remain in first place in the MLL standings.

The Hounds (2-7) host the Denver Outlaws next Saturday, June 27, in Charlotte at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The Hounds' 2nd Annual Zero-K event benefitting the Isabella Santos Foundation will take place before the game. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:00pm.



Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 20, 2015


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