RECAP: Adanacs, Shamrocks Take Series Leads

10  9

Lacrosse can sometimes be a complicated game to understand, but it also can sometimes be broken down into a much simpler one, like the old adage 'first to ten wins' that rang true in Nanaimo on Saturday afternoon.

Coquitlam had to work until the very last minute for a 10-9 win over the Nanaimo Timbermen in Game 3 of the BCJALL best-of-seven semifinal. A Haiden Dickson goal with 56 seconds to go helped the defending Minto Cup champions restore the lead they had held for most of the game despite the Timbermen clawing back into the game again and again.

A bit of a slow start saw the T-Men fall behind 3-1 after 20 minutes, and while they never were able to take the lead, they proved once again that they're going to be an extremely tough team to beat over the course of a 7-game series. Levi Verch and Kyle Dawson scored two minutes apart with the clock ticking down in the third period, but Nate Faccin again stepped up in crunch time to preserve the victory. 

Dennon Armstrong led the way for the A's with four goals and six points, three of them coming in the first frame that gave Coquitlam the momentum and lead it needed. He also scored a beauty short-handed goal with just a second left on the clock to push Coquitlam's lead from one to two. 

It sets up a pivotal Game 4, which again Nanaimo will host at the Frank Crane Arena. If the Timbermen can secure a home victory, they will definitely feel a lot better going to Coquitlam for the possibility of two more games at the Palace on Poirier. If Coquitlam can take home a second straight road game, they can take a stranglehold on the series with a chance to close it out at home on Friday. 

15  14

Writeup provided by Janice Huckin / Photo provided by Gary Woodburn
Meanwhile, the Victoria Shamrocks needed a late goal to come away with a 15-14 decision over the visiting New Westminster Salmonbellies in game 3 of their best-of-seven series. The win gives the Shamrocks a 2-1 lead in the series with game 4 taking place in New Westminster this afternoon.

Teoshantathe Mccomber continues to shine since arriving and led the offense with 2 goals and 4 assists.  Zach Manns chipped in a goal and 4 helpers with Brian Robb, Austin Madronic, Patrick Dodds, and Jackson Boyd each scoring twice. Singles came from Ben Preston, Caleb Kueber, Casey Wilson and Liam Phillips with Cameron Dunkerley picking up the win in goal.  

The series returns to Victoria for game 5 next Saturday with that game being played at the Save-On Foods Memorial Center.