PBA Sailfish Men Cruise Against Lions in Season Opener
King’s Academy Brad Wharton 3G/1A, Jupiter Christian’s Keegan Southard 1G/2A and Windermere’s Brooks Andruss 17 for 20 FO’s lead Sailfish
FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. – The Palm Beach Atlantic men’s lacrosse team hit the road as they opened their season today against Emmanuel University. After an even opening quarter, the Sailfish pulled away and never looked back on their way to an 18-10 victory. PBA’s record moves to 1-0 on the season with the road win.
The Sailfish entered with a perfect record all-time against the Lions as they entered year three under head coach Jesse Vanatta. After nearly ten minutes of play without a scoring breakthrough, it was the home side that scored first at the 5:29 mark. It took under 30 seconds for PBA to respond as newcomer Tyler Hopkins opened his Sailfish scoring tally on a Henry Sloyan assist. Dominic Barnshaw and Hopkins would score again in the quarter as the sides were tied 3-3 after 15 minutes of play.
After a Brad Wharton goal in the second quarter tied the game at four, the Sailfish went on a scoring run that would prove decisive in the game. Six goals from six different PBA Sailfish in a six-minute stretch saw PBA go up 10-4. The ‘Fish outshot the home side in every quarter of play including 21-10 in shots on goal in the opening half. PBA goalie Brendan Pedisich was called upon early and answered the call with four of his 10 saves in the opening quarter.
Up comfortably at the half, the Sailfish weren’t content with their lead as they saw the game out by outscoring Emmanuel in both quarters of the second half. Bryce Downs scored three of his team-high four goals in the second half, while Hopkins and Wharton each finished with hat tricks in their first games with the Sailfish. To go along with his four goals, Downs added two assists which tied his teammates Keegan Southard and Sloyan.
The Lions were able to cut the PBA lead to four in the third quarter, but a timely 5-0 run from the Sailfish made the game 17-8 and secured the opening day win for PBA. The Sailfish outshot the Lions 57-35 on the day and doubled their shots on goal, 40-20. Defensively, the ‘Fish forced 25 turnovers as a team and had four players cause two each. Led by Brooks Andrus, PBA won 17-of-27 faceoffs and won the ground ball battle 25-11 led by Andrus’ seven and Hunter Hopman’s six. The Sailfish were strong during their man-up opportunities as they scored on 6-of-10 chances.
A strong start to the season for the Sailfish will see them hit the road again when they return to action in one week. PBA will head to North Carolina to face a Chowan side that has started their season 1-1.
