Stanwick's Five Points Spark Decisive Run as BayHawks Beat Blaze
Published on August 24, 2019 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chesapeake Bayhawks News Release
Chesapeake BayHawks huddle up after a goal
(Chesapeake Bayhawks)
ATLANTA, GA - Veteran attackman Steele Stanwick amassed five points to lead the Bayhawks' offense en route to an impressive 16-13 victory over the Atlanta Blaze at Atlanta Silverbacks Park.
Stanwick, who operates behind the net as the quarterback of the Chesapeake offense, scored two goals and dished off three assists to spark a 10-1 run that changed the entire complexion of the contest.
Attackman Colin Heacock had a hat trick for Chesapeake (8-4), who once again took over sole possession of first place in Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Midfielders Matt Abbott, Brendan Bomberry and Nick Mariano all totaled two goals for the Bayhawks, who outscored the Blaze 9-3 in the second quarter to take control.
"We needed to play hungry in this game, and after a slow start I thought we did just that," Chesapeake Head Coach Dave Cottle said. "Everyone who played contributed and I thought we wore down Atlanta as the game went along."
Kenny Massa played a key role by winning the faceoff battle over the Blaze's Alex Woodall, 19-14. Backup goalie Brian Phipps made his second start of the season and posted 10 saves to anchor an overpowering defensive effort as Atlanta was shut out in the third quarter.
"Kenny Massa made a big difference in this game. Things changed when he started winning faceoffs and we were able to control possession," Cottle said.
Close defenseman Warren Jeffrey did an outstanding job on dangerous Atlanta attackman Randy Staats, who was held without a goal. Kyle Tucker was active for the first time since the second game in the Bayhawks' season and provided a huge lift to the defense with his energy and effort.
"Atlanta is one of the best offensive teams in the league and our defense deserves a lot of credit for really shutting them down over the last three quarters," Cottle said. "I thought our defense played as well as it has all year and Brian Phipps was simply outstanding. Brian is a winner and a true professional."
Boston's loss to the Dallas Rattlers earlier in the day meant Chesapeake and Atlanta were playing for first place in Major League Lacrosse. The Blaze came out firing and built an early 4-0 lead before the Bayhawks began pecking away. Andrew Kew scored off a smooth dodge from the sideline, getting all the way to the goal for an easy finish. Stanwick followed with a point-blank shot from the crease after taking a terrific feed from behind by Ryan Keenan. This would be Stanwick's 250th point in Major League Lacrosse.
Momentum changed in a big way during the second quarter with Chesapeake outscoring the home team, 9-3. Kew found Bomberry wide-open on the crease who then spun around to fire a shot past the ear of goalie Chris Madalon. Lyle Thompson scooped a loose ball off a rebound and scored while Nick Mariano dodged down the alley and scored off a bounce shot with his off hand. Abbott unleashed a cannon crank shot from just inside the two-point arc and stuck the top corner while Heacock did the same with an overhand crank shot from the same spot.
Chesapeake started winning more faceoffs and controlling possession as a result, forcing Atlanta to play a lot of defense. Stanwick made an alert play off a restart, scooping the ball at the end line and whipping a pass to Abbott on the crease for a point-blank shot.
Stanwick then beat his defender from behind the cage to tie the score at nine with 1:26 remaining in the first half. Stanwick changed direction, slipped to one knee, got right back up then used an inside roll to get free.
Mariano powered past two defenders and used some slick stickwork to fake the netminder twice before finding the back of the net to give Chesapeake its first lead, 10-9, with 49-seconds left. The Bayhawks still weren't done as Thompson ripped a shot that was tipped and trickled past Madalon. Chesapeake closed the second quarter with five unanswered goals and took an 11-9 lead into intermission. The Bayhawks continued the onslaught in the second half, scoring twice in the opening five minutes to put the Blaze further on their heels.
"We got off to a slow start, but credit to the whole team for fighting back," Stanwick said. "I'm really proud of this team for how we played over the last three quarters."
Kew used a sidearm crank shot to score from a tough angle on the wing off a power play. Heacock beat a short stick from behind with a superb swim move and leaped to the crease to score while in midair as Chesapeake increased its lead to 13-9.
Phipps and the defense continued to stymie the Atlanta offense, forcing several turnovers and low-percentage shots. Those shots that were on target were eaten up by the veteran goalie.
Heacock blew past a long stick midfielder and unleashed a wicked sidearm shot across his body, whizzing the ball past the offside hip of Madalon to make it 14-9. Atlanta finally scored early in the fourth quarter to end a lengthy drought that lasted almost 22 minutes and stopped a 10-1 run by the Bayhawks.
Atlanta scored again to get within three, but Chesapeake quickly put a stop to any comeback hopes. Stanwick got his defender hung up on the wrong side of the goal and had plenty of time to find Bomberry cutting to the cage. Bomberry finished with a beautiful behind-the-back shot.
Moments later, Abbott scooped a loose ball on the defensive end and cleared into the offensive zone before dishing to Thompson for a sidearm crank shot that restored a five-goal lead for the Bayhawks at 16-11 with just under 10 minutes remaining.
With a win, the Chesapeake Bayhawks can clinch a spot in the 2019 Major League Lacrosse playoffs in front of their home fans for Fan Appreciation Night tomorrow on August 25th. This game will be aired live on Stadium and MyTV Baltimore.
The Sunday showdown will feature various attractions for fans, including a full-team post-game autograph session on the concourse. Fans who attend the signing will receive a free Bayhawks team poster, while supplies last.
Additionally, Chesapeake will have a trio of superheroes (Batman, Captain Marvel and Spider-Man) roaming the stadium to meet "Bayhawks Country" - the team's real heroes.
Finally, the Bayhawks are offering a 20-percent discount on all their merchandise to celebrate their fans. This offer is available online at shopchesapeakebayhawks.com and will also be applied in-venue at the Chesapeake Bayhawks' merchandise store on the concourse.
Tickets for Sunday evening's games are available at thebayhawks.com/tickets. They can also be purchased through the Chesapeake Bayhawks Ticket Office at 866-99-HAWKS or by contacting sales@thebayhawks.com. The Lexus Tailgate Zone will open at 2:30 PM and feature music, a photo booth, games for kids and complimentary Bud Light for ticket holders 21 and older.
Images from this story
 Chesapeake BayHawks huddle up after a goal |
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 24, 2019
- John Grant Jr. Breaks MLL Career Regular-Season Scoring Record as Outlaws Top Lizards 16-13 - Denver Outlaws
- Stanwick's Five Points Spark Decisive Run as BayHawks Beat Blaze - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- Rattlers Beat Top-Ranked Cannons - Dallas Rattlers
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