via press release   DELAND, Fla.—After fighting through four periods of back-and-forth action, the Florida Launch took down the Rochester Rattlers 12-10 in their first victory of the season. “It’s great to get that first team victory after the loss last week. It feels awesome,” said Steve Pontrello, who tallied his second hat trick of the season tonight. After edging out the Rattlers in the first quarter by a single goal, the Launch began what would be a continuous battle for dominance moving into the second quarter. Two goals from Rochester put the visitors ahead of the Launch by one, but Pontrello and Chazz Woodson responded with back-to-back goals that reset the single goal lead. But, Rochester responded with two unanswered goals that left them with the lead moving into half time. “I think honestly we had a game under our belt, we went through a one goal game, and I think we learned something about ourselves,” said Launch coach Tom Mariano, “we got some experience, and I really think that paid off in the second half.” Though the Launch and the Rattlers entered the third with an even score, Rochester took a two-point lead with goals from Kyle Denhoff and Jordan Wolf. With six minutes left in the game and a two goal deficit on the board, the Launch responded with four unanswered goals late in the quarter—scored by Pontrello, Martin Bowes, Greg Melaugh, and Mike Unterstein—that ultimately lead the Launch to victory. Goalie Austin Kaut came up big for the Launch to seal the victory. Kaur’s performance earned him Coca-Cola Player of the Game honors. “We’re going to be talking throughout the two weeks off here, conversing, going over game plan, and really going over the film,” said Kaut, “we still have a lot to work on and a lot to get better at. We’re not even close to being there yet, but its good to come out with a win today.” The Launch return to FAU Stadium on May 13 when they take on the defending league champions, the Denver Outlaws. The game is a “Pink Out” in partnership with American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink Challenge. For tickets, call 561-923-9067 or visit floridalaunchlacrosse.com/tickets today.