Rattlers Win Big over Outlaws in Title Game Rematch
May 10, 2015 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Dallas Rattlers News Release
BROCKPORT, NY (Sunday, May 10, 2015) The Rochester Rattlers (3-2) are slowly returning to the form that took them all the way to the best record (10-4) in the 2014 season and a spot in the MLL title game last August. Missing top stars has been the name of the game for the Rattlers early on, but as more guys return, the better the play gets. Rochester had the pleasure of hosting the team that beat them by 1 goal in that title game, the Denver Outlaws (2-2), and were looking to exact revenge for that loss. They succeeded with a 15-12 win, and now officially are on a winning streak.
The story leading into the game was Rochester's recent woes at the face off position, coming into the game dead last at face off percentage in the league. The return of All Star John Ortolani and new addition Mike Poppleton (picked up in the Miles Thompson trade) added a huge spark for the Rattlers, as they traded time at the X against one of the best in Denver's Adam Kelly. Ortolani went 10-15 and Poppleton won 7 of 16, giving them a little better than a 50% winning percentage on the day. If Rochester can get possession 50% of the time, their offensive firepower is tops in the league and easily gives them an advantage, even if the possession time is even with their opponents.
That firepower starts with second year star Attackman Jordan Wolf. Wolf logged 3 goals and 2 assists on the day and was awarded the Coca Cola Player of the Game. Like the Rattlers of the past, several other players chimed in on the scoring festivities as 5 others had at least 2 goals; Turri, Lawson, Boltus, Cockerton and MacIntosh. Rochester's D-Men Mike Manley, John LoCascio and John Lade kept Denver in check with outstanding play in their own zone, and ground balls (7, 7, 5 respectively).
Rochester seems to have reclaimed their swagger and are now showing why they are a force in the league from here on out. The pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place and as they strive to return to Atlanta for a second shot at the title, they are happy to have familiar faces with them as they move forward.
Rochester visits Foxboro Stadium this coming weekend to face the Boston Cannons (1-3) on Sunday, May 17th @ 6pm. The Rattlers will be away from home for almost another month, but will return to face the Cannons on Sunday, June 7th @ 1pm at Shriver Stadium, on College at Brockport campus.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 10, 2015
- Rattlers Win Big over Outlaws in Title Game Rematch - Dallas Rattlers
- Outlaws Fall in Shootout to Rattlers 15-12 - Denver Outlaws
- Turnovers Prove Costly as Hounds Fall 14-10 to BayHawks - Charlotte Hounds
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