MLL release their Week 9 accolades: "Coca-Cola Players of the Game", "Warrior Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week" and "FOAthlete of the Week, Presented by The Faceoff Academy" and "Cascade Lacrosse Rookie of the Week"
BOSTON (June 9, 2015) - Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league completed Week 9 of its 2015 season this past weekend.
The Florida Launch come up short in New York as the Lizards remain undefeated and move to 8-0 on the season. Florida held onto a one goal lead heading into the fourth quarter, but an eight goal fourth quarter performance proved to be more than enough for New York to regain the lead and capture an 18-11 win. The fourth quarter spurt was led by Tommy Palasek and 2015 All-Star and game MVP, Rob Pannell, who had three goals and one goal, two assists in the fourth quarter, respectively. Matt Gibson, Paul Rabil, Jo-Jo Marasco and Kevin Unterstein also found the back of the net for New York. 2015 MLL All Star, Greg Gurenlian, showed his dominance at "X" once again, going 27-31. Despite the loss, Launch found some very balanced showing with seven players scoring, including All-Stars Casey Powell and Kieran McArdle each finishing with two goals and one assist. Florida falls to 1-7 on the season.
The Ohio Machine travelled to Charlotte in the hopes of building on their three game win streak, that included a Week 6 win against the Hounds and with a four goal performance from All-Star Marcus Holman, they did just that. Jake Bernhardt was game MVP with three goals for Ohio. Ohio found themselves down at half after Charlotte Hounds All-Star, John Haus poured in three goals in the first 30 minutes but a hard fought fourth quarter by Ohio proved to be just enough. Ohio got help along the way from seven other players in rout to their 14-12 win. For Charlotte, rookie Joey Sankey continues to make an impact with a two goal, two assists showing. Brain Phipps had 15 saves on 26 shots between the pipes for Ohio.
The Chesapeake Bayhawks snap a three game losing streak after beating a tough Denver team, 15-12. Joe Walters seemed to be unstoppable for the Bayhawks scoring four goals and assisting on four as well. Drew Westervelt and Colin Dunster also led the scoring charge with 3 goals apiece. 2015 All-Star Matt Abbott, got in on the action with two goals. Denver was a part of unfortunate history as they only netted one goal in the first half, a feat that the organization hasn't experienced since July 18, 2009 when they took on, what was the Washington Bayhawks. Despite a slow start, the Outlaws came out hot in the third scoring seven times to cut the lead down to just five. Chris Bocklet and Drew Snider did their best to keep Denver in the game, each recording three goals and one assist but it all seemed to not be enough. Jesse Bernhardt joined his brother as a Game MVP of the weekend after having a great day, scooping up five groundballs and playing stellar defensive.
Two, 4-3 teams faced off against each other in Rochester on Sunday, with the Cannons falling very short. The Rochester Rattlers had a very good showing and dominated Boston 13-6. Jordon Wolf continues to prove why he is an All-Star, erupting for five goals and two assists. Syracuse graduate and rookie, Kevin Rice found the net twice for Rochester also. Boston beat the Rattlers just 21 days before but the Cannons struggled this time around. They scored just three goals in each half, recording the lowest scoring game in the league this season. Brent Adams and Will Manny combined for four of the six Boston goals. Rochester moves into a tie for second place with the win while Boston continues to float amid the pack.
Coca-Cola Players of the Game
Coca-Cola, as a multi-year and proud sponsor of MLL, will feature a weekly honor titled the "Coca-Cola Players of the Game", where one player from each match-up will be deemed the most valuable player of the game. Here are the Week 9 MLL "Coca-Cola Players of the Game":
Rob Pannell of the New York Lizards
Jake Bernhardt of the Ohio Machine
Joe Walters of the Chesapeake Bayhawks
Jordan Wolf of the Rochester Rattlers
Warrior Lacrosse Offensive & Defensive Player of the Week
Warrior Lacrosse, a leading lacrosse brand for equipment, footwear and apparel, will continue to sponsor both an offensive player of the week and defensive player of the week. These awards are two separate awards that honor the best offensive and defensive MLL performances from the week. Here are the Week 9 MLL "Warrior Offensive Player of the Week" and "Warrior Defensive Player of the Week":
Warrior Offensive Player of the Week: Joe Walters of the Chesapeake Bayhawks
Warrior Defensive Player of the Week: John Galloway of the Rochester Rattlers
FOAthlete of the Week, Presented by The Faceoff Academy
The Faceoff Academy specializes in the most elite level face-off coaching in the world. In showcasing the huge role face-off men play in lacrosse, The Faceoff Academy will present a weekly award titled the "FOAthlete of the Week, Presented by The Faceoff Academy". The award will feature the best face-off performance of the week based on winning percentage at the "X". Here is our Week 9 MLL "FOAthlete of the Week, Presented by The Faceoff Academy":
Greg Gurenlian, Midfielder of the New York Lizards
27-for-31 at the "X"
With a 87% Face-off Win Percentage & 21 Groundballs against Florida
Cascade Lacrosse Rookie of the Week
Cascade Lacrosse has established itself as the leader in the lacrosse helmet and eyemask category. The relationship of Cascade Lacrosse and Major League Lacrosse is one that dates back to the league's inception. Cascade Lacrosse is the proud sponsor of a weekly recognition of the week's best rookie performance. Here is our Week 9 MLL "Cascade Rookie of the Week":
Kevin Rice, Attack for the Rochester Rattlers
4 points vs. Boston (2 goals, 2 assist)
Week 10 Preview
We now look forward to the 2015 MLL All-Star Weekend festivities in Houston, TX. The weekend will begin with the Casey Powell All-Star Shootout followed by a player clinic and the drafting of the respective All-Star teams by the Ultimate Fan contest winners. Heading into Saturday there will be player appearances at events leading up to the 6:00pm CT game time. Players will be available for autographs and be hosting a post game party at Lucky's. Fans can keep track of all the behind the scenes action by following Major League Lacrosse on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
About Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, was founded by Jake Steinfeld and is headquartered in Boston. Major League Lacrosse commenced play in June 2001 and has embarked on its fifteenth season. MLL has continued to lead the sport of lacrosse into the mainstream of competitive team sports. The league is made up of eight teams: The Boston Cannons, Charlotte Hounds, Chesapeake Bayhawks, Denver Outlaws, Florida Launch, New York Lizards, Ohio Machine and Rochester Rattlers.
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