Toronto Monarchs move on to Final Four Weekend with 13-10 win over Peterborough Timbermen

Craig Wende was on his acrobatic best tonight at the TRAC in Oakville, making several incredible saves to backstop the Toronto Monarchs to a 13-10 win over the Peterborough Timbermen in the 2nd Arena Lacrosse League Quarter-Final. With the win the Monarchs move onto the Final Four Weekend at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa, playing the Six Nations Snipers Saturday night at 7pm.

The Timbermen throw everything they could at Wende but just couldn't get the lead when they needed it most. Tied 9-9 in the 4th Quarter, Wende made 4 saves that had everyone in the venue clapping with appreciation, regardless if they were cheering for the visitors. The Monarchs then went on a 3 goal run to put the game out of reach. Wende also chipped in with 2 assists.

Seth Laidlaw had 4 goals and the two Jordan's, both Dance and Critch had hat tricks to pace the Monarchs offense but on this night it was a hard hitting defensive playoff game with both teams leaving everything they had on the floor that stood out amongst the spectators. Whenever there was a loose ball or a scrum, Michael Gillan from the Monarchs was usually in the vicinity and his leadership was stellar all night.

Matt Crough was at the top of his game tonight making plays and scoring crucial goals to keep the Timbermen's hopes alive but Wende's cross crease save on Cody McMahon on a pass from Crough, sealed the deal at 12-10. Critch scored his hat trick in an empty net shortly after another arm save from Wende.

This sets up the Final Four with the top 4 regular season teams advancing to play in Oshawa April 8 for the chance to play for the ALL Cup Sunday April 9th at 6pm. The Oshawa Outlaws and the St. Catharines ShockWave get the Semi-Finals started at 3pm followed by the aforementioned Six Nations - Toronto tilt at 7pm.

Tickets are $10 adults and $5 for children under 13.