Black Fish break into win column

Ryan Jones (#16) and Drew Andre celebrate a goal during the Black Fish's 12-9 week 4 win in Arena Lacrosse League West Division action at Langley Events Centre on Nov. 30. Ryan Molag photo

“Last week we embarrassed ourselves.”

Those were the words of coach Rod Jensen, referring to his Black Fish team allowing 30 goals – and Arena Lacrosse League West Division record – in a week 3 defeat which dropped his team to 0-3.

“All three of our first games, we didn’t play a full 60 minutes,” he said. “We were getting outworked and to get beat by that high of a score is really difficult.

“We have been getting outworked every game, except for this one,” Jensen said, adding that it was important the team showed some pride in their effort.

Back on the floor at Langley Events Centre on Saturday afternoon, the Black Fish scored the first four goals and never trailed, defeating the Grizzlies 12-9. Both teams now sport identical 1-3 records.

Some line-up changes saw the Black Fish dress a much bigger defence while goaltender Keegan Okino was also inserted into the line-up, delivering 46 saves on 55 shots.

“The boys did their job in front of me; kept them out of the middle and it’s just on me to make the save from the outside. They made my life easy,” he said.

Rhys Porteous led the Black Fish with a hat trick and two assists, and his five points were matched by teammates Connor Watson and Ryan Jones, who each scored twice and set up three others. Ethan M’Lot (1-2), Drew Andre (1-1), Aidan Murphy (1-1), Brian Gillis (1-1) and Reese Barnes (1-0) had the others.

The coaching staff’s pre-game message was that the team needed to win the little battles if they wanted to be successful.

“Every ball that was on the ground, it seemed like we were there first,” Okino said.

Kyle Brunsch’s five points (2-3) led the Grizzlies with Thomas Moffat scoring a hat trick and four points. Aidan Baker and James Baker each had a goal and three points with Erik Forsselius adding a goal.

Both teams are back in action on Saturday, December 7 with the Black Fish facing the Sea Spray at 1:00pm while the Shooting Eagles play the Grizzlies at 4:00pm. Both games are at Langley Events Centre.

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