Third-quarter boost helps Shooting Eagles bump slump

Shooting Eagles' goaltender Brody Harris makes one of his 43 saves in his team's 18-13 win over the Black Fish on Feb. 20 in Arena Lacrosse League West Division action. Ryan Molag photo

Locked in a tight, one-goal game at the half while in the midst of a three-game losing streak, captain Coady Adamson had a simple message for his teammates.

“We know how to play in games like this and we know how to keep our heads on straight,” Adamson explained about what was said. “The theme of this team is to stay even keeled. I try to preach that a lot and lead by example.”

The Shooting Eagles came out of the locker room and scored six unanswered goals in a span of 8:35 to open the third quarter, building a commanding lead in an 18-13 win over the Black Fish.

The teams were kicking off Week 13 of the Arena Lacrosse League West Division on Tuesday (Feb. 20) night at Langley Events Centre with the Shooting Eagles improving to 8-5 while the Black Fish fell to 6-7.

Adamson said he could tell his team had a different feel right from the warm-ups.

“The energy was great. It was totally a different team. Basically, back to Eagles lacrosse is what it felt like,” he said.

Tuesday’s contest saw the teams tied at four after 15 minutes and the Shooting Eagles ahead 8-7 at the break. The third quarter proved to be the most lopsided of the periods with a 6-2 advantage for the Eagles. Both teams scored four times in the fourth.

Four Shooting Eagles players had five or more points, led by first star Mark Yingling’s four goals and eight points. Spencer Bromley (the second star) was right behind with a pair of goals and five helpers while Adamson (3-3) and Garret Winter (3-2) each potted hat tricks. Declan Fitzpatrick (2-2) and Jacob Dowell (2-0) both added a pair of goals and Jake Young (1-3) and Dylan Lacroix (1-2) completed the scoring. Brody Harris finished with 43 saves on 56 shots.

Josh Mills led the Black Fish with four goals and six points and was named the third star for his efforts, while Ethan M’Lot and Connor Watson both had two goals and four-point games. Laszlo Henning added a pair with Temeke7 Gottfriedsen (1-1), Chase McIntyre (1-1) and Nick Jensen (1-0) had the other Black Fish goals. Brandon Humphrey made 42 saves as his team was outshot 60-56.                                                              

Up next: The teams are now off until the middle of March when the Shooting Eagles face the Sea Spray on March 12 while the Black Fish battle the Grizzlies on March 13. Both games begin at 7:00pm at Langley Events Centre.

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