Week 9 of the PLL began with Archers taking on the Whipsnakes in Tacoma, Washington. For Archers, a win would lock up the #1 seed and a first round-bye in the playoffs. Whipsnakes were on a three-game win streak and looking to climb above .500 for the first time this season. Connor Fields had a six-point night, and Archers led by as many as 10 goals in a 16-11 win that moved them to 8-1. They remain atop the standings and have secured the #1 playoff seed and a first round-bye. Whipsnakes fall back below .500 at 4-5.
Fields takes control in first half
Grant Ament and Tre Leclaire (assisted by Connor Fields) gave Archers a 2-0 lead with goals 18 seconds apart. Mike Chanenchuk halved the lead, but then Archers took it to the Whipsnakes defense. Fields scored in transition, beating a double coverage. Jared Conners fired a 2-point goal, then Tom Schreiber scored to make it 6-1. Tucker Dordevic scored for Whipsnakes just before the first quarter ended. The second quarter was all Archers, shutting out Whipsnakes 4-0. Fields netted three straight, and Mac O’Keefe added another. A stunned Whipsnakes squad headed into halftime trailing 10-2.
Fields helps Archers lock up top seed
Goals by Schreiber and Ryan Ambler extended Archers’ lead to 12-2 to open the second half. Matt Rambo and Chanenchuk’s second finally broke a scoreless drought of nearly 17 minutes for Whipsnakes. However, a 2-point goal from O’Keefe, assisted by Fields, put the lead back at ten, 14-4. Another goal from Rambo and a 2-pointer from Michael Ehrhardt made it 14-7 entering the fourth quarter.
With the game well in hand, Archers goalie Brett Dobson was relieved by backup Nick Washuta. O’Keefe and Challen Rogers scored near the midpoint of the quarter to push the lead to 16-7. Ehrhardt’s second goal, a 2-point goal from Chanenchuk, and another goal from Dordevic cut the deficit to five. But that would complete the scoring for the contest, with Archers prevailing 16-11.
Gobbler’s Game Notes
Fields finished with four goals and two assists for Archers. O’Keefe had three goals (two 1-point, one 2-point) and an assist, while Schreiber had two goals and an assist. Mike Sisselberger continues to impress as a rookie, going 12 of 24 on faceoffs and snagging seven Ground Balls. Dobson made 10 saves in the win.
Zed Williams and Will Manny were surprisingly minimal factors for Whipsnakes, as each finished with just one assist. Brendan Krebs made 17 saves in the losing effort. They finish the regular season against Cannons next week.
Catch Pat Bernard every Sunday morning at 9:00 am on P&M In The AM
Pat Bernard has four years of podcasting. His first year with the Pattison Ave Phantics and four years running Devereaux Sports. Now currently, both Devereaux Sports and Edge of Sports. Pat is a for 6 Philly sports fan. Flyers, Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, Wings, and Union. The Gobbler is a former pro wrestler and ACPW Hall of Famer! He is originally out of Ambler from Northeast Philly (by the Tacony Bridge). Pat is a credentialed Philadelphia Wings Beat Reported under Edge of Philly Sports.
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