Nationals to Play Today for Team Warrior in MLL All-Star Team
July 9, 2011 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Hamilton Nationals News Release
Rochester - Hamilton Nationals Joe Walters, Joe Marra, Geoff Snider and Brodie Merrill will play for Team Warrior in today's 2011 Sports Authority MLL All-Star Game in Boston. The Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game will take place at Harvard Stadium at 7:00 p.m. live on ESPN Classic and ESPN3.com.
The game marks the fourth All-Star appearance for Walters, who leads the Hamilton Nationals with 27 points (11+1+15).
"I've been fortunate to play alongside some of our sports legends (Gary Gait, John Grant Jr, Casey Powell...just to name a few) and that's one of the things I look forward to this weekend, getting the opportunity to play with guys who we (Hamilton Nationals) compete against every week," said Walters. "Sometimes it's tough though, I find myself watching rather than getting in the flow of the game, but I'm looking forward to playing with prior teammates and fresh faces."
Merrill will play in his seventh straight MLL All-Star Game. The five-time MLL Defensive Player of the Year leads all MLL defensemen with nine points (3+1+5) and is tops in the league with 45 ground balls. Marra, who will play in his first All-Star Game, has a 1-1 record this season and is fourth in the MLL with a 12.77 goals-against average. He is also seventh in saves with 38. Snider will play in his second MLL All-Star Game after suiting up for the 2007 event. The faceoff man leads the Nationals with 59 faceoff wins and has the second most ground balls with 26. He has also chipped in one goal and two assists in four games.
Team Warrior will not only include the four Nationals players, but also Brendan Mundorf (Denver), Jesse Schwartzman (Denver) and Matt Danowski (Long Island). Ultimate MLL Fan Fantasy winners Michael Hatala and Nathan Solomon hand-picked their All-Star Teams during the Friday Night Selection Party. Team Warrior will battle Team Authority headlined by Paul Rabil (Boston), Max Seibald (Denver) and Ned Crotty (Rochester).
The game features some of the most creative and athletic lacrosse players in the world. Walters admitted that although not preparing for the game any differently, it allows him to showcase other aspects of his game.
"I wouldn't say I prepare any different for an All-Star game, or do anything unique. I still go out and want to do everything I can to help my team win. Playing in an All-Star game does allow players to showcase a more flashy brand of play, which I think is important; putting on a show for everyone in the crowd and watching on ESPN (ESPN3.com and ESPN Classic)," said Walters.
The Nationals (4-3) will host the Chesapeake Bayhawks (4-3) at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 16th. The contest will be broadcast live on ESPN3.com.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 9, 2011
- Team Warrior Wins MLL All-Star Game - MLL
- Nationals to Play Today for Team Warrior in MLL All-Star Team - Hamilton Nationals
- Change in Tonight's ESPN Programming - MLL
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