'Sharks comeback beats Storm

by Marc Viquez
Published on January 5, 2003 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)

After an opening night upset victory against the Rochester Knighthawks, the New Jersey Storm looked like a team that was not going to be kicked around anymore. Unfortunately for the Storm, the Columbus Landsharks are not going to be anybody's patsies either and came away with a 10-9 National Lacrosse League victory at the Meadowlands Sunday afternoon.

"It just goes to show you that on any given night any team can beat any other team in this league," said Storm goalie Derek General who filled in for the injured Matt Roik. "Nobody gave us a shot against Rochester last week and look what happened."

The game was interesting with the Storm starting off strong with two quick goals, only to be answered by four unanswered goals by the Landsharks. New Jersey answered back with five straight tallies to close out the half with a 7-4 lead. Then Columbus scored within seconds of the third period to gain back the momentum in what turned out be a 6-2 run for the 'Sharks in the second half.

"We are just playing for respect right now," said Landsharks Head Coach/GM Ron Roy. "They are just trying to establish themselves in this league right now. That makes for a little bit of motivation."

The Storm shutout the Sharks in the second period, but found themselves on the flip side in the fourth quarter, unable to find the whites of the nets. New Jersey seemed a little bit shaky in the final period and could not rattle Columbus or find a way to keep up with them on foot.

"Billy Greer's goal eight seconds in got us all pumped up and ready to go," said Pat Maddalena who scored two goals on the night. "It's a game of momentum and swing, and we scored and that just built. That made everybody relaxed, because we were a little bit stiff in the second quarter and everybody was trying to do too much."

The Storm looked impressive during the first half, especially in the second period, scoring at will with Brian Bendig and Brian Benedict putting home two goals apiece. General was gallant in defeat stopping 46 shots. Unfortunately for him, Columbus had a couple of fast breaks that nine out of 10 times are going to score.

"Columbus is a very young team and they have some legs," added General. "They just go out after you. Hopefully we can be the same way the rest of the season."

The Landsharks improved to 3-0 for the first time in club history and won their second consecutive one-goal game after a 14-13 victory against Ottawa on Friday night.

"If you look at us we are not the biggest or the tallest team, but we're quick, in good condition and that stuff in lacrosse goes a long way," added Pat Maddalena who tallied two goals on the night.

The Storm will return to action this Friday night when they take on the New York Saints at home. General will most likely be in net with Roik still nursing a bad knee. As for now the goaltender is not looking to far ahead.

"I am not going to look ahead into anything, but just go with the flow and if I get my chance I get my chance," he said. "I will be prepared to step in if called upon."

National Lacrosse League Stories from January 5, 2003

• 'Sharks comeback beats Storm - OSC Original by Marc Viquez
• Wings Move Saturday Night's Home Opener To March 8 At First Union Center - Philadelphia Wings
• Storm Loses Heartbreaker in Home Opener, 10-9 - New Jersey Storm

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