NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Walters 'Was the Best Player on the Field'

Published on August 27, 2013 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


Saturday afternoon, the Hamilton Nationals were one quarter away from returning to the Major League Lacrosse Finals for the first time since the 2009 season. That was also the last time midfielder Joe Walters played in the league's title game. (Photo by Larry Palumbo)

Upon the game's completion, as the players lined up on the near sideline to shake hands, Walters paused for a moment to reflect on what had happened just minutes ago, as the lead slipped away late in a 13-12 loss to the eventual champion Chesapeake Bayhawks.

"It was a great game. Both teams are Championship-caliber teams and both teams fought back. When you look at the history of this Championship Weekend, usually the first semifinal is a one-goal game. Then the second game is surprisingly a blowout, but this is what you can expect," said Walters, who was playing in his fifth Championship Weekend. "Both teams played their hearts out, and hats off to them. They played like a Championship team. They came back. They fought back."

The Bayhawks erased a three-point deficit by outscoring the Nationals 5-1 in the fourth to return to the MLL Finals for the third time in four seasons. Walters was a warrior Saturday, scoring consecutive goals in the third quarter, which sparked a 4-0 run to give the Nats an 11-8 lead heading into the final frame.

Playing with a broken index finger on his left hand he suffered from a second-quarter slash, the seven-year MLL pro and former Playoff MVP notched two goals and added one assist in the second half. His first goal tied the game at eight as he roofed a shot past Kip Turner, and then just 49 seconds later he drove to the net and tucked the ball in near side to give the Nationals back the lead at 9-8. But he wasn't done, feeding Kevin Crowley at 5:25 of the fourth quarter to give Hamilton a 12-10 advantage.

"I was so proud of the way Joe Walters played today. He was just fantastic. I don't even know what his numbers were, but he was terrific for us today," said Nationals Head Coach Dave Huntley immediately after the game. Walters finished with two goals and three assists to lead all point producers in the semifinal game.

Walters was bidding to add a third MLL championship ring to his collection. The former University of Maryland star won the 2008 MLL title with the Rochester Rattlers and captured the 2009 title with the Nationals. This season, he helped the Nationals win a team record nine games and earn a playoff berth after leading the MLL with 26 assists and finishing tied for fifth in the league with 48 points.

Walters rejoined Hamilton in Game 3 and put up five points in a Hamilton win over Charlotte. The Rochester, NY native was fresh off winning his second straight Champion's Cup with the National Lacrosse League's Rochester Knighthawks. In the 2013 Finals, he capped off a six-point night by scoring the game-winning goal in an 11-10 win over the Washington Stealth.

On Saturday, Walters was trying to get another team into the Championship Game. Teammates, fans and MLL officials commented after the game that he was "the best player on the field." Coming so close to advancing to the Finals was difficult to process for Walters, who will turn 29 in November.

"Whenever you lose in the playoffs it's disappointing. Your goal is to win a Championship. If you don't have that goal, you're not giving it your all and just wasting your time," he said. "I guess some positives are that we made the playoffs, guys really stepped up. This is just very disappointing, but we'll be back for sure."

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