Rubeor Remains Hot as BayHawks Manhandle Machine, 14-5
May 11, 2013 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chesapeake Bayhawks News Release
Annapolis, MD - Veteran attackman Ben Rubeor had another big game with points to lead a balanced offense as the Chesapeake Bayhawks manhandled the Ohio Machine, 14-5, in a game shortened to three quarters by lighting activity around Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
Rubeor, a sixth-year professional, scored four goals and assisted another as the Chesapeake offense clicked on all cylinders. Rubeor, who scored seven goals in last Saturday's win over New York, has now scored at least one point in 32 consecutive games and was named Player of the Game for the second straight Saturday.
"The last two weeks, things have been going my way. I'm not doing anything differently than I normally do, I've just been fortunate to end up on the back end of plays and the shots are falling for me," Rubeor said.
Attackman John Grant Jr. joined the starting lineup for the first time this season and his presence seemed to make the offense run smoother. Grant only had one assist, but the attention he drew behind the net created good looks for others.
"John Grant is still the best attackman in the league and he does make a difference on offense. Defenses tend to shade to Junior, and whenever he dodges from behind they slide to him," Rubeor said. Second-year midfielder Matt Mackrides notched his second hat trick of the season while attackman Drew Westervelt also netted three goals for Chesapeake, which improved its record to 3-0 and remained tied atop the Major League Lacrosse standings with the Denver Outlaws.
One of the offensive players Cottle wanted to get going was midfielder Steven Brooks, who was scoreless on 1-for-9 shooting through two games. Brooks made an impact early by scoring consecutive goals less than four minutes apart in the first quarter. Brooks beat a defender and waltzed in one-on-one with the keeper for an unassisted goal then took a feed and scored from six yards in front of the cage to give Chesapeake a 3-0 lead.
"We just wanted Steven to be aggressive. Steven is a really good player and we know we're going to get goals from him. I think scoring a couple tonight gave Steven a lift, and in turn gave the team a lift," Chesapeake head coach Dave Cottle said.
Veteran midfielder Kyle Dixon was in a giving mood last night, dishing off three assists. It marked the 80th game in a Bayhawks' uniform for Dixon, setting a franchise record previously held by Tom Marachek.
Midfielder Jim Connolly scored a power play to put Ohio on the board, but Chesapeake responded with seven straight goals to turn the game into a rout. Lightning delayed the game by a half hour in the first half, which ended with the Bayhawks holding a commanding 11-2 lead.
Both teams scored three goals in the third quarter before the game was shortened due to a second thunderstorm that included lightning.
Adam Rand captured 13 of 21 faceoffs for Chesapeake, which also won the ground ball battle (23-21). Goalkeeper Kip Turner made 11 saves for the Bayhawks, who put 24 of their 32 shots on cage.
"I thought defensively and offensively, it was probably the best we've played on both sides this season. Overall, I thought we played pretty well," Cottle said. "I thought we handled the ball better and shot the ball better on offense. Defensively, our guys are tough and make teams earn their goals. I thought Kip played well and bailed us out a few times with great saves."
Attackman Steele Stanwick dished off three assists while midfielders Joe Cummings and Jim Connolly scored two goals apiece for Ohio (0-2).
The Bayhawks return home Saturday, June 1st to battle the Hamilton Nationals. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at www.thebayhawks.com or over the phone by calling the box office 866-99-HAWKS (42957).
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from May 11, 2013
- Boston Cannons Lose Third Straight to Denver Outlaws, 14-10 - Boston Cannons
- Hounds Fall Short in Rematch with Rattlers - Charlotte Hounds
- Rubeor Remains Hot as BayHawks Manhandle Machine, 14-5 - Chesapeake Bayhawks
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