via the Launch press release – by Allie Modica   The rain could not hold back the Launch this afternoon as they came out firing early, taking their 9-4 lead at the half to beat the Atlanta Blaze 13-10 in the first game of the 2018 season. Both the offense and defense played strong to keep the Launch atop the Blaze through the entire game. Kicked off by Dylan Molloy, the Launch raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first quarter. The first six of seven goals scored where by last year’s rookies (Molloy, Salcido, Drenner and Mariano).  Dylan Molloy ended the afternoon as the team’s leading scorer with four points off two goals and two assists. Sergio Salcido added a hat trick (three goals) in the first half and both Ryan Drenner and Nick Mariano contributed three points in the game. Long stick defenseman Jarrod Neumann also added two crucial goals in the second half to propel the Launch to victory. While the first half saw our offensive power, the second half was driven by the defense. Goalkeeper Austin Kaut made 20 saves out of 30 shots on goal (.666 save percentage), and was named Player of the Game. Tucker Durkin, Alec Tulett and PT Ricci all made big stops throughout the game to solidify the win. Coach Tom Mariano explained, “The biggest key was being really gritty. I thought we competed and contested a lot of their shots which really helped us out.” Although the groundball game could be cleaned up for next week’s matchup against the Chesapeake Bayhawks, the Launch proved they are a force to be reckoned with early in the 2018 season. In the win, midfielder Steven Brooks scored one goal to tie Casey Powell as second all time in franchise history for goals scored in a Launch uniform and Austin Kaut broke 500 career saves with his 20 save performance. He now has 506 saves as a Florida Launch player and ranks first in franchise history. “It feels good, but it’s not all on me, its a team effort, it comes down to the defense and offense getting back on transition and I wouldn’t be here without those guys protecting me.” At a significant pointing in the game, attack man Tom Moore, former Atlanta Blaze player, scored his first goal in a Launch uniform this afternoon. Next Saturday April 28 the Launch look to go 2-0 when they face the Chesapeake Bayhawks at home at FAU Stadium. Coach Mariano has a few things he would like cleaned up but overall with the season opener the team was fresh, and “the effort by all the guys” was critical to the win today. Catch the Florida Launch back on the field next for their home opener April 28 at 7PM! This will start a five game home stint for the Launch. Don’t miss out!   BUY FLORIDA LAUNCH TICKETS HERE