Well Rested Bayhawks Return from Bye Week to Face Denver Outlaws
July 17, 2009 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Chesapeake Bayhawks News Release
Washington, DC - The Washington Bayhawks (3-5) of Major League Lacrosse (MLL) won a big game in their meeting with the Long Island Lizards on July 4th. Coming off a bye week, the Bayhawks look to continue their strong play of late as they host the MLL-leading Denver Outlaws (6-2) on Saturday, July 18th at 7:00 PM EST at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD.
After a difficult start to the season, the Bayhawks have turned their fortunes around with back-to-back wins coming into this week's matchup. The Bayhawks win against the Lizards snapped a seven game home losing streak, their longest in franchise history. Now the Bayhawks look to even their season series record against Denver after falling to the Outlaws 20-16 back in May.
"We're playing a lot better as a team, and it's showing up as wins," said Bayhawks Head Coach John Tucker. "Defensively, the guys are working hard and not giving the other team many chances. Chris [Garrity] has done a terrific job the last two games. He was the biggest factor against Long Island."
Chris Garrity, who graduated from St. Mary's High School in Annapolis, was brilliant against the Lizards. He stopped 13 of the 20 shots he faced allowing only seven goals in one of the best games of his career. He was named MLL Defensive Player of the Week for his performance, the second straight week a Bayhawk had received weekly honors. Danny Glading, the Bayhawks first selection in the 2009 MLL Collegiate Draft, was named MLL Rookie of the Week in Week 7 against the Chicago Machine.
"I have to give credit to the guys in front of me," said Garrity about the Long Island game. "They did a good job of keeping the Lizards attack in check, and they made sure I could see the shots coming in."
Two of the biggest surprises this season have been Defenseman P.T. Ricci and Michael Evans. Both players are having strong rookie seasons for the Bayhawks. Ricci, a Loyola College graduate, has been given the task of containing opposing team's top scorers. He limited Long Island's leading scorer Matt Danowski to only one goal and one assist in the game. Evans was named the NCAA Division I Defenseman of the Year for his play at Johns Hopkins. He fell to the Bayhawks in the third round, who drafted him with the 18th overall selection. Evans has turned out to be one of the biggest "sleeper" picks of the draft.
"P.T. and Michael have worked well with our veteran defenseman," Tucker commented on his pair of rookies. "They have blended in well and have played big. We're going to need them to continue that down the stretch."
The Bayhawks will be challenged immediately as the Outlaws travel east to the Bayhawks home turf. Denver, whose MLL-high six game winning streak was snapped by the Boston Cannons in their last game, remains atop of the MLL standings. The Bayhawks fell to Denver in Colorado earlier this year by a score of 20-16, but the Bayhawks led at the half 12-8. A strong third quarter from the Outlaws clipped the Bayhawks, but Washington looks to rebound and even the season series.
A third straight win will be a big boost for the Bayhawks as they continue to climb back into the MLL playoff picture. Washington started the season 1-5, including three losses to the Toronto Nationals, but the Bayhawks now find themselves only a half game behind Toronto and one and half games behind the Boston Cannons. The Nationals travel to Long Island on Saturday while the Cannons host Chicago.
Tickets for Saturday night's game are still available. Group packages and team and corporate outings are also available. To reserve your tickets, contact the Bayhawks ticket office at 866-99-HAWKS (42957) or by going to the Bayhawks website at www.washingtonbayhawks.com.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 17, 2009
- Cannons Face Machine At Harvard Stadium on Saturday Night - Boston Cannons
- Win Dew Tour Tickets This Saturaday at the Cannons Game - Boston Cannons
- Well Rested Bayhawks Return from Bye Week to Face Denver Outlaws - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- Old School Wins An Overtime Thriller - MLL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
