NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Second-Half Comeback Nets Knighthawks' Win

Published on February 4, 2012 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester)... The Rochester Knighthawks rallied from three goals down multiple times to defeat the Minnesota Swarm 16-14 Saturday night at The Blue Cross Arena. With the victory, Rochester improves to 2-3 on the season, while Minnesota falls to 1-2 overall with the loss.

Rochester was led by a nine-point night by Cody Jamieson (3+6) and a seven-point effort by Mike Accursi (2+5). Johnny Powless also had two goals and two assists, while Cory Vitarelli added six points (3+3). Minnesota was led by Ryan Benesch who had four goals and three assists. Jamie Shewchuk (2+4) and Jordan MacIntosh (3+1) also had solid games for the Swarm.

Minnesota started the scoring early with a goal from Benesch just over two minutes into the game. Keogh was quick to answer for the Knighthawks though, scoring less than a minute later to even the score at 1-1. The teams then went back and forth until Callum Crawford's goal pushed the Swarm in front by two goals at 4-2. Mike Accursi was able to cut the deficit in half for Rochester with just over a minute remaining in the first, and Minnesota led 4-3 after one.

Powless got the second period started with a bang for Rochester, as his beautiful over-the-shoulder shot pulled the Knighthawks even at 4-4. The two teams then exchanged two goal rallies, first by MacIntosh and Corbyn Tao of the Swarm, followed by Travis Hill and Jamison of Rochester. With the score tied at 6-6, the Swarm used a three-goal rally to close the period, and took a 9-6 lead into the locker room.

Rochester started the second half with a two goal rally from Vitarelli and Powless that pulled them within a single goal. Minnesota quickly answered with goals from Benesch and Jay Card that pushed their lead back to 11-8. However, Rochester would not be denied and closed the half with three straight goals to pull even as the game went to the final period. Davis, Keogh and Jamieson scored in that rally.

Just over a minute into the fourth quarter, Vitarelli scored his third goal of the evening on a power play, and gave the Knighthawks their first lead of the game. Minnesota responded with two goals over a 26 second stretch to reclaim the lead with just over 10 minutes remaining. From there it was all Knighthawks, as Rochester scored four of the last five goals, and overcame a rough start to notch its second win of the season.

Rochester is next in action when they travel to Minnesota for Knighthawks vs. Swarm part-two next Sunday, February 12th at 3:00 p.m. The Knighthawks next home game will be Saturday, February 18th at 7:30 p.m. when they take on the Washington Stealth.

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