When the Maryland Whipsnakes match up against the Philadelphia Waterdogs, there’s one name at the top of the scouting report: Michael Sowers.
A dynamic force with the ball in his stick and one of the most dangerous feeders in the PLL, Sowers has made a career out of torching defenses with his quickness, vision and change of direction. But in 2024, the Whipsnakes figured out a way to slow down the dynamic attackman, and a big reason for that was rookie defenseman Ajax Zappitello.
Zappittello didn’t just make life hard for Sowers; he altered the entire dynamic of the rivalry between the two clubs.
Before Zappitello was drafted No. 3 overall in 2024, Sowers consistently produced against the Whipsnakes, averaging 4.2 points per game, with 2.5 goals and 1.7 assists on 39.5% shooting.
But in the two games last season, those numbers dropped as Zappitello began covering him.
Sowers still totaled five goals across the two matchups, but he didn’t record a single assist, and his shooting percentage fell to 31.3%.
The Whipsnakes went 2-0 against Philly in 2024, thanks in large part to Zappitello’s lockdown defense on Sowers, after going just 2-5 in all prior matchups against the Waterdogs.
“One of the things I’ve always said is we need someone that can cover Michael Sowers because I’m not sure anyone really can,” Maryland head coach Jim Stagnitta said after the Whipsnakes defeated the Waterdogs in overtime last June. “I thought Ajax did as good a job as you can today.”
Zappitello has slowed Sowers down and erased his ability to quarterback Philly’s offense.
The Whipsnakes have trusted AjaxZappitelloto guard Sowers one-on-one, allowing the rest of the defense to stay disciplined and avoid sliding. That’s taken away what makes the Waterdogs so lethal – Sowers drawing attention and finding open teammates.
Stagnitta hasn’t needed to scheme elaborate doubles or bring early help because he’s had Zappitello, and that’s been enough.
The results of Zappitello’s matchup against Sowers speak for themselves.
On Friday, we will get another edition of the Sowers vs. Zappitello matchup, as the two will face off under the lights in Charlotte at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
