TOWSON, Md. -- Overtime thrillers and playoff clinchers highlighted the way for several former Towson University men's lacrosse players as regular season action heated up on the pro circuits over the weekend.
Across the two professional leagues, teams with former Tigers in action combined to go 3-1 this past week.
Ryan Drenner (Whipsnakes LC, PLL)
Ryan Drenner and the Whipsnakes locked in a berth in the inaugural Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) playoffs after a dominating 17-4 win at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario. Drenner tucked away a pair of goals on six total shots. The attackman contributed five ground balls as well.
Up Next for Drenner: This week the PLL heads to New York's state capital for a weekend at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium on the campus of the University of Albany. The Whipsnakes will square off with the Archers at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday for the final game of the weekend.
Zach Goodrich (Boston Cannons, MLL)
Zach Goodrich and the Boston Cannons picked up a nail-biting 12-11 overtime win on the road against the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Goodrich grabbed one ground ball at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, located near his hometown of Stevensville, Maryland.
Up Next for Goodrich: The first-place Cannons host the Dallas Rattlers next weekend in Quincy, Massachusetts for a 5 p.m. clash at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
Brendan Sunday (Atlanta Blaze, MLL)
Brendan Sunday helped lead Atlanta to a 14-13 overtime win over the host New York Lizards Saturday night at Shuart Stadium. Sunday chipped in a goal along with one assist for a two-point night. His goal was assisted by former Tiger teammate Alex Woodall. Sunday took three total shots, putting two on goal while he collected two ground balls.
Up Next for Sunday: The third-place Blaze return home to Silverbacks Stadium on Saturday for an 8 p.m. showdown with the Chesapeake Bayhawks.
Alex Woodall (Atlanta Blaze, MLL)
It was another big weekend at the X inside Shuart Stadium for Alex Woodall as he helped lead the Atlanta Blaze to a 14-13 win over the New York Lizards. Woodall won 14 of his 24 draws while adding seven ground balls to his day. The former Tiger notched two points on one highlight-reel goal with a defender draped across his back, while feeding classmate Brendan Sunday with an assist early in the first quarter.
Up Next for Woodall: The third-place Blaze return home to Silverbacks Stadium on Saturday for an 8 p.m. showdown with the Chesapeake Bayhawks.
Staff
Spencer Ford (Atlanta Blaze, MLL)
The Atlanta Blaze overcame a deficit in the first quarter and forced overtime before picking up a 14-13 win on the road at Shuart Stadium in front of 4,119 attendees. The Blaze out-scored the host New York Lizards 7-2 across the second and third quarters after falling behind 6-4 in the first quarter.
Up Next for Ford: The third-place Blaze return home to Silverbacks Stadium on Saturday for an 8 p.m. showdown with the Chesapeake Bayhawks.
Mark Goers (Chesapeake Bayhawks, MLL)
The tied-for-first Chesapeake Bayhawks dropped a 12-11 decision at home against their fellow first placers, the Boston Cannons. Mark Goers' faceoff specialist Kenny Massa continued his domination at the X, winning 18 of his 26 draws with nine ground balls.
Up Next for Goers: The Bayhawks head south this week for an 8 p.m. game at Silverbacks Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia for a showdown with the Blaze.
