The Archers LC may play the sport of the future, but their motto is stolen from America’s pastime: Hit singles.

Head coach Chris Bates mentioned hitting singles pregame; attackman Will Manny (2G) emphasized it again during his mic’d up segment heading into the fourth quarter. After some unforced turnovers in the first half, the Archers’ offense found its rhythm when it mattered most, topping the Redwoods LC, 10-9.

The Archers’ twins sets gave the Redwoods defense trouble early. Their best offense came from pairing any two of Marcus Holman (1G, 2A), Tom Schreiber (2G, 1A) and Kevin Rice (1A) together behind the cage. Down the stretch, bully ball on the wings won the game; Ben McIntosh (2G) and Ryan Ambler (1G, 1A) “hit singles” by winning their one-on-one matchups.

Joe Walters (2G) and Sergio Perkovic (2G) ran by (and shot through) short-stick defenders when they found mismatches. Overall, the Redwoods’ six-on-six offense didn’t create enough. This team relied heavily on Sergio Salcido (1G, 1A), Brent Adams (1G) and others in transition last week; without that spark in fast and slow break scenarios, this offense struggled. They weren’t winning matchups against the Archers’ longpoles or against their short-sticks – Dominique Alexander (1CT, 2GB) and Mark McNeill (2CT, 2GB). When they did create open looks, Adam Ghitelman (14SV, 60.8 SV%) slammed the door.

The Redwoods LC (1-1) will look to bounce back against Chaos LC next Saturday at 2PM EST in Chicago. The Archers LC (2-0) will aim to remain unbeaten against the Whipsnakes LC at 5PM EST.