Barrage Game 1 (vs Washington 5-18-08)

By Tom Hoffman

The Barrage will start on the road to a third straight Major League Lacrosse title, and fourth in five years, when they open their 2008 season in Virginia Beach, VA against the Washington Bayhawks on Sunday. This would have been the Barrage's home opener but as a result of the team being operated by the league for 2008, none of the Barrage's home games will take place in Philadelphia. Sunday's faceoff is at 2 PM and will be shown Live on Comcast Sportsnet.

History

The Barrage are 8-6 all time vs the Bayhawks and have won four straight games in the series. Last season the Barrage finished the regular season with a pair of routs against Washington, winning 21-11 at Georgetown on August 4th and 22-7 a week later in Downingtown. Roy Colsey scored eight goals in the two games for the Barrage while Matt Striebel added seven and Jed Prossner chipped in six.

Playoff recap

The Barrage won their second straight MLL championship with a 16-13 victory over the Los Angeles Riptide August 26th at Rochester's PAETEC Park. Matt Striebel took Game MVP honors with a six point (3G, 3A) performance including the game winning goal. The Barrage got to the finals with a 13-12 overtime win against Denver the day before. Kevin Cassese tied the game with 59 seconds left in regulation and Roy Colsey scored 51 seconds into overtime to win the game. Colsey's score came after Brian Dougherty stoned Denver's Geoff Snider on a breakaway scoring opportunity.

2007 Barrage Leaders

Goals: Ryan Boyle and Michael Springer - 26

Assists: Boyle - 31

Points: Boyle - 58

Saves: Brian Dougherty - 182

Roster

The Barrage bring back almost their entire roster from 2007 which included five members of the All-MLL team (Boyle, Striebel, Dougherty, D Brian Spallina and D Kyle Sweeney). Tony Resch returns as coach for his fourth season.

Next Game

The Barrage continue their road tour with a game when they travel to Dallas and Texas Stadium for a match with the Long Island Lizards on May 25th.

NLL Championship Preview (Portland at Buffalo 5-17-08)

By Tom Hoffman

The 2008 National Lacrosse League season will conclude this Saturday evening when the Portland Lumberjax (6-10) square off with the Buffalo Bandits in the Edge 2008 National Lacrosse League Championship Game. Faceoff at HSBC Arena is at 7:30. Buffalo will seek their fourth title, and first since 1996, in their eighth appearance in the finals. This will be Portland's first ever NLL final.

Postseason Results and History

The Bandits were victorious at home over Philadelphia (14-12) on May 2 and New York (19-12) on May 10. Portland's literal road to the title game led them to wins at San Jose (18-16) on May 4 and at Calgary (16-12) on May 10. Buffalo is 17-10 in overall postseason play while Portland is 2-1.

Regular Season History and Stats

The Bandits and Lumberjax have met three times in regular season play with Buffalo holding a 2-1 edge. In the final regular season game for both teams, the Bandits defeated Portland 14-10 in Buffalo on April 26. John Tavares had four goals and four assists to lead the Bandits while Peter Jacobs scored four goals and Brodie Merrill added four helpers to lead Portland. Tavares was Buffalo's point leader with 87 (29G, 58A) while Mark Steenhuis had 34 goals. Ken Montour had a 10.23 GAA for Buffalo, good for second in the NLL. Portland was paced by Dan Dawson with 81 points (38G, 43A) and an 11.22 GAA from Matt Disher (10.83 with the Jax following his acquisition from Edmonton).

Playoff Leaders

Goals: Buffalo: Mark Steenhuis - 7; Portland: Dan Dawson - 12*

Assists: Buffalo: John Tavares - 12*; Portland: Dawson and Peter Morgan - 10

Points: Buffalo: Tavares - 15; Portland - Dawson - 22*

Saves: Buffalo: Mike Thompson - 46; Portland - Matt Disher - 53

* - Playoff leader

Playoff Notes

This will be the third appearnce in the championship game in four seasons for Dan Dawson (with Arizona in 2005 and 2007) and Ken Montour (Arizona in 2005, Buffalo in 2006). Derek Malawsky and Brad MacDonald were teammates with Dawson on last season's Arizona squad that fell to Rochester.

The 1992 Bandits will be in the building both on the floor and behind the bench Saturday night. Playing for the Bandits will be lone original players John Tavares and Rich Kilgour while brother Darris coaches the squad. Tavares and Darris Kilgour have been a part of each of Buffalo's championship appearances, while Rich Kilgour has played in all but the first, missing the 1992 game due to injury. Their 1992 teammate, Derek Keenan, coaches the Lumberjax and is seeking his seventh ring, having been on the roster of three title teams as a player (Buffalo 1992 and 1993) and Toronto (1999) while earning three more as a Rock assistant (2000, 2002, 2003).

Portland is the first team since the 1992 Philadelphia Wings (3-5), and fourth overall (both Washington and Baltimore in the inaugural season of 1987 were 2-4) to make the championship game with a record below .500. Current Jax netminder Dallas Eliuk was a part of that 1992 Wings team. Eliuk has faced the Bandits in four previous title matches with a 1-2 record in those games. Eliuk was the championship MVP in the Wings 1998 and 2001 victories.

Pick

While Buffalo may be the more experienced team in the postseason, Portland has its share of title game experienced players. That and a carefree attitude since many fans and media didn't expect them to be in this game. While Buffalo has a 9-2 home record (including playoffs) this season, they have never won a title game in HSBC (1997, 2006) and Portland has not lost a road playoff game. If Eliuk plays, he could be the key to a Portland win. Buffalo is explosive on offense while Portland has outscored the Bandits 34-33 in the playoffs after finishing ahead of only Toronto, Chicago and Edmonton during the regular season in that department. Yet I think it will be the better defensive team that takes home the Champion's Cup on Saturday. And that will be Buffalo.

Bandits 14, Lumberjax 12

LaxPhilly Local Five - Postseason

By Tom Hoffman

The NCAA tournaments for lacrosse have begun and the Philadelphia area is well represented in all three divisions. Play started today for a pair of Division III schools, as the Widener Men's team travelled to Denison University while Eastern University's Women's squad made a trip to New York to visit Union College. While both teams fell today (Widener 19-6, Eastern 15-4), there are still plenty of local teams waiting to take their steps towards a possible NCAA title. Here are five games that should not be missed.

1. Haverford at Cabrini (May 10, NCAA Division III Men's)

The battle for Delaware County bragging rights, and the right to possibly face NCAA juggernaut Salisbury in the Quarterfinals. For the Fords (11-4), this is their tourney debut while the Cavaliers (16-2) make their seventh NCAA appearance. The two met in April with Cabrini taking home a 13-8 decision from Haverford. Cabrini is led by a pair of NCAA leaders in Juniors Scott Reimer (63 goals) and Kevin Chenoweth (5.66 GAA) while Haverford's top player is Sophomore Brian Fleishhacker (44 goals, 49 points).

2. West Chester vs. Limestone (May 15, NCAA Division II Women's)

The Golden Rams (18-1) will seek to avenge their lone regular season loss when they faceoff with the Lady Saints (17-1) in the Semifinals in Houston, Texas. The winner will face the victor of the other semifinal between Adelphi and C.W. Post. Limestone spoiled West Chester's season opener with a 9-8 win on March 9. The Golden Rams are seeking their fifth straight trip to the Division II title game and their first national title since 2002. West Chester boasts the #1 and 3 scorers in Division II (Stephanie Kienle with 134 points and Jackie Baker with 111 points) and the #2 goalie (Mary Green, 6.41 GAA). Limestone will counter with goalie Erin Cavanaugh (7.75 GAA, 5th NCAA).

3. Colgate at Penn (May 11, NCAA Division I Women's)

The Quakers (14-1), seeded second in the Women's Division I bracket, host Colgate (11-9). Penn rides into the postseason on a hot streak, including a victory over three time defending champion Northwestern while Colgate won the championship of the Patriot League. Penn's Sarah Waxman is the top goalie in Division I Women's lax while the Quakers as a team are tops overall defensively.

4. Temple at Maryland (May 11, NCAA Division I Women's)

The Atlantic 10 champion Owls (13-6) are making their first tourney appearance since 2004, but this will be their third straight NCAA game against the Terrapins (17-2), who defeated Temple in the 2003 and 2004 tournaments. Temple will need to stop Maryland top score and draw expert in Dana Dobbie (66 goals, 114 draw controls). Temple's Whitney Richards (fifth, 2.29 turnovers caused per game) and Berkley Summerlin (ninth, 1.94) will look to slow down the Maryland attack.

5. Montclair St. at Rowan (May 7, NCAA Division III Women's)

The two longtime New Jersey rivals meet in the first round of the D-III Women's tourney. Montclair defeated Rowan 13-9 on April 19.

Also appearing in the Division III Women's tournnament are the Lions of the College of New Jersey, who will face the winner of Claremont-Mudd Scripps and Ohio Wesleyan on May 10.

Our final feature for 2008 will rank the area's five top teams upon completion of postseason play.

LaxPhilly Local Five - Volume 4

By Tom Hoffman

With NCAA tournament time just around the corner, it's time to take a look at some of the Philly area's top women's players of 2008. The women had some big games this season, with maybe the biggest being Penn's revenge against the defending champs from Northwestern, and the five players listed here certainly made their marks on these games and will look to get their squads into the postseason and possibly being the ones hoisting the trophy for National Champions. So, without any more delay, here are the top five players in local women's college lax for 2008.

1. Sarah Waxman - Goalie (Penn, Senior, Washington, D.C.)

Waxman, with her NCAA leading 5.96 goals against average, has the 2008 Ivy League champs on the verge of a second straight trip to the NCAA Division I Final Four, as well as a #1 ranking after the Victory over Northwestern. With her solid play, an excellent group in front of her, and the knowledge that can they can not only hang with, but beat a team like Northwestern, Waxman and the Quakers could very possibly bring home the 2008 championship.

2. Stephanie Kienle - Attack (West Chester, Senior, West Chester, PA)

Kienle has been, along with Junior Jackie Baker, one of the leaders of the Golden Rams as they head back to the NCAA Division II playoffs after clinching their fifth straight PSAC Championship against rival Lock Haven. With 134 points in West Chester's 19 games this season, Kienle hopes to lead the Golden Rams to their fifth straight NCAA title appearance and the championship that has been eluding them.

3. Jessica Bill - Attack (Drexel, Senior, Baldwinsville, N.Y.)

Bill set career highs in goals (39) and points (46) in leading the Dragons to their fifth straight season of at least 10 wins. Bill was also named, along with teammate Katie Bradley, to the CAA's second team all-conference squad.

4. Chelsea Rosiek - Midfield (Temple, Sophomore, Blue Bell, PA)

On a senior laden team, Rosiek gives Temple a lot to look forward to in the next two years. After a frosh season with only eight points in 11 games, Rosiek bloomed this season finishing the regular season fourth on the Owls with 26 goals and 42 points. Her and junior Brittney Hoffmann will be counted on in 2009 to lead the Owls.

5. Alison Jaeger - Midfield (College of New Jersey, Freshman, Hampton, NJ)

Jaeger has had an impressive first year for the Lions, tallying 41 goals and 56 points. Jaeger will be looked upon, along with Seniors Toni-Anne Cavallo and Karen Doane, to lead TCNJ back to the National Championship after their quarterfinal loss in 2007.

Our next feature will take a look at the local schools (Men's and Women's teams) in the NCAA tournament, set to begin next weekend.

Wings Division Semi-Final preview (at Buffalo 5-2-08)

By Tom Hoffman

The Philadelphia Wings (10-6 regular season) return to postseason play for the first time since 2002. Awaiting them is a familiar foe in the Buffalo Bandits (10-6 regular season). The teams will open the 2008 National Lacrosse League playoffs with a 7:30 faceoff on Friday night. The game will be shown on B2 Networks.

Playoff History

The Wings are 16-9 all time in postseason play, 3-3 against Buffalo. On the road the Wings are 6-5 and 2-2 in Buffalo, all four games (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996) having been played at Buffalo's Memorial Auditorium. The two teams last met in the playoffs in 1998 when the Wings were victorious at the Wachovia Center 17-12. The Wings Jake Bergey and Peter Jacobs, along with Buffalo's John Tavares and Rich Kilgour, as well as Bandits coach Darris Kilgour, all played in that game on April 18, 1998. The Wings last postseason appearance was on March 30, 2002 when they lost 12-11 to the Washington Power. Bergey and Jacobs are the lone Wings remaining from that team while Darris Kilgour coached the Power and was assisted by current Wings coach Dave Huntley. Buffalo is 15-10 in postseason play. The two squads have combined for nine championships (six for the Wings, three for Buffalo), seven from the NLL's predecessor, the Major Indoor Lacrosse League.

Regular Season

The Wings and Bandits split their two meetings in 2008. The Wings got a late tying goal from Jamie Rooney and an overtime goal from Jake Bergey to defeat the Bandits 15-14 on January 26th at the Wachovia Center. Buffalo returned the favor on March 1st, coming back from an early 5-0 deficit to spank the Wings 21-12 at HSBC Arena. Athan Iannucci led the Wings in the two games with 13 points on eight goals and five assists while Merrick Thomson added four goals and six assists. Buffalo was led by Cory Bomberry with 16 points (4 goals and 12 assists) and 15 point efforts from John Tavares (11 assists) and Mark Steenhuis (eight goals). Rob Blasdell went 1-1 for the Wings, making 75 saves in the two games. Mike Thompson took the loss in the OT game in Philly while former Wing Ken Montour shut the door on his former mates after replacing Thompson in the game in Buffalo.

Season Finales

The Wings got a goal from Athan Iannucci with under a minute remaining in regulation to defeat Toronto 15-14 on Sunday. Iannucci had four goals and an assist to give him 71 goals and 100 points for the 2008 season, adding to his league record goal total while setting a Wings team record for points in a season. Buffalo clinched the overall top spot in the NLL with a 14-10 win Saturday against Portland.

Team Leaders

Goals: Wings: Athan Iannucci - 71*; Bandits: Mark Steenhuis - 34
Assists: Wings - Jason Crosbie - 40; Bandits: John Tavares - 58
Points: Wings - Iannucci - 100*; Bandits: Tavares - 87
Saves: Wings - Rob Blasdell - 434; Bandits: Ken Montour - 346

* - League Leader

Quotes from Toronto

Wings Coach Dave Huntley on the final game and the playoffs: "I'm delighted we have a 10-6 record. For our guys to focus under difficult circumstances, it was great. It was a nice win, now we have to get ready for Buffalo on Friday night. I know we're gonna give a good effort and I know Darris is gonna have them well prepared and I think it should be a great game between two real good teams."

Wings GM Lindsay Sanderson on the Wings making it to the postseason: "Yeah, it's long overdue. I'm very happy with what Dave and Chris (Sanderson) have done with these guys. The past 2-3 years we would have found a way to not finish like we did here tonight. It (the Air Canada Centre) is a tough building and we found a way. We've been doing that pretty well all year. We're looking forward to the challenge in Buffalo."

Wings Captain Thomas Hajek on making the playoffs after New York beat Rochester: "A long time coming, it feels great. We backdoored it but it was a good win tonight. We didn't have a lot to play for and we still came out with a good effort. I think we're confident going in there (Buffalo). They're a great team and they're number one for a reason but I think we've played them well. I'm pretty excited about it."

Next Game

A win takes the Wings to the East Division final against the Minnesota-New York winner. Otherwise the 2009 opener will be the next game.