Redwoods roll to 14-12 win, ending Waterdogs’ 5-game win streak
By Joe Keegan | Aug 13, 2022
The Redwoods offense has found its rhythm. The 'Woods were averaging 9 points per game prior to the All-Star Game; they're averaging 14.3 since.
Quarterbacked by Rob Pannell (2G, 6A) at X, the Redwoods were able to generate a season-high 11 assists against the Waterdogs on Friday night. If there's an open shooter, Pannell will find them. He assisted Ryder Garnsey (3G, 2A), Nakeie Montgomery (1G), Jules Heningburg (2G, 1A), Myles Jones (1G, 1A), and twice found an open Charlie Bertrand (3G).
Pannell's presence behind the cage calms the 'Woods when the dust settles. As a team, they've also been better in unsettled situations since the break.
The Redwoods only averaged 2.2 fast break shots per game prior to the All-Star break. Now, they've averaging over 7 fast break shots. Kyle Hartzell (1G) buried a longpole goal off a face dodge...
Respect 🫡 https://t.co/KHhJGuW3nH pic.twitter.com/33zzAYRgRa
— Redwoods Lacrosse Club (@PLLRedwoods) August 13, 2022
...and the Redwoods' relentless ride led to a Matt Kavanagh score.
Just fun to watch 🥶 https://t.co/HH6eClVAOc pic.twitter.com/gA0l0FIq4B
— Redwoods Lacrosse Club (@PLLRedwoods) August 13, 2022
Defensively, the Redwoods were determined to turn Waterdogs LC attack Michael Sowers (4G) into a dodge-to-shoot player. Sowers soared through the crease for his own scores but wasn't able to get teammates involved as he has been throughout the Waterdogs' 5-game winning streak. The rest of the Waterdogs shot a combined 7-for-41 (17.1%).
Redwoods LC defender Eddy Glazener left the game with a non-contact injury in the first half and did not return.
With the win, the Redwoods have officially clinched their spot in the 2022 playoffs. They'll look to continue their momentum against Chrome LC in Seattle on Saturday, August 20th at 7PM ET.
The Waterdogs are still fighting for a spot in the 2023 Championship Series. Their last game of the regular season -- against Archers LC on Saturday, August 20th at 9:30PM ET -- will likely be for the fourth and final spot in February's tournament.
