Jax clinch playoff spot in first season

Published on April 3, 2006 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Portland Lumberjax News Release


The expansion Portland LumberJax late Sunday night did what many believed they could do in their inaugural year - clinch a playoff berth. The Jax was secured an opportunity to battle for the Champions Cup, the NLL's Championship Trophy, when the Colorado Mammoth beat conference rival Arizona Sting 16-11 at the Pepsi Center.

That win also meant that the Jax (8-5) are tied for first place with both Calgary (8-5) and Colorado (8-5). Calgary beat the Jax in their only meeting of the season 12-8 at the Rose Garden. The Jax have defeated Colorado by a score of 12-11 twice - once at their season home opener on January 21 and once in Colorado March 12.

Entering the weekend, the Jax needed quite a few things to happen in order to clinch a playoff spot this early in the season - Portland needed a pair of wins over expansion rival Edmonton on Friday and Sunday, a Calgary win over San Jose on Saturday, a Colorado win over Arizona on Sunday and a pair of wins by Buffalo this weekend at San Jose and at Arizona. What seemed like a long shot before the weekend came to fruition late Sunday night.

"We are extremely pleased, but not surprised," commented Angela Batinovich, managing partner for the LumberJax. "We said before the season started that we were putting together a team that could contend for a championship. Although we are pleased with our latest accomplishment, we still have unfinished business. We want to finish strong so that we can secure a home playoff game and then carry that momentum into the post season."

The Portland LumberJax defeated the Edmonton Rush, 14-10, at Rose Garden on Sunday afternoon. The Rush went on a 5-0 run to start the game, including two off the stick of Jason Clark, but Portland overcame the slow start and scored ten unanswered goals to take the lead for good.

Portland outscored Edmonton 12-1 in the second and third quarters, 7-0 and 5-1, respectively, which included a 10-0 run. The run chased starter Pat Campbell from the goal, and 45-year old Dwight Maetche came in for relief. Maetche was born in Portland, OR.

Peter Morgan led all Jax scorers with 4 goals and 3 assists. At Edmonton on Friday, Morgan scored 5 goals and 2 assists against the Rush in Portland's win, bringing his 2 games Rush total to 9 goals and 5 assists. Brodie Merrill (3 goals, 2 assists, 26 loose balls), Del Halladay (2 goals, 1 assist), Bruce Alexander (1 goal, 4 assists) and Shawn Cable (5 assists) were also impressive on the LumberJax offense. After relieving Matt King in goal in the first quarter, Dallas Eliuk faced 42 shots (36 saves, 6 goals against) earned the win in goal.

Jason Clark (3 goals, 5 assists) led the Rush offense. Jim Quinlan scored two goals, both late in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to four goals. Pat Campbell (31 saves, 9 goals against) and Dwight Maetche (10 saves, 5 goals against) split time in goal for the Rush.

The Rush will meet the LumberJax again Friday, April 14th at 7:30 PM Pacific for their final home game of the regular season at Rose Garden in Portland. The LumberJax will play Friday, April 7th at HP Pavilion in San Jose at 7:30 PM Pacific before their final match-up with Edmonton on April 14th. Portland's final game will be on the road against Minnesota on Sunday April 15. Fans can watch games live on their computers via B2 networks for $6.00. Go to PortlandJax.com and click on the B2 link. A high-speed connection is required. Live game night scores can be found at: http://pointstreak.com

The LumberJax are the only team in the Western Division and one of only two teams in the NLL (Buffalo - Home 4-2, Away 5-2) with a winning record both at home (4-3) and on the road (4-2).

Tickets for the LumberJax for the last regular season home game range from $10.00-$30.00 in advance (Prices increase by $2.00 on the day of the game), with additional VIP seating available. Jax 4 Packs are available for $50 (no additional service charges) and include four general admission tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas. Group tickets can be purchased by calling 503.797.9739. Individual tickets can be purchased at the Rose Quarter Box Office (M-Sa 10a-5p), all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 503.224.4400 or at PortlandJax.com. For single event suites call 503.963.3800. Prices do not include service charges.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from April 3, 2006


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