Chiefs even things up in another OT thriller

photo by Darryl Smart

For a second-straight game in the Major Series Lacrosse semifinal between the Six Nations Pro-Fit Chiefs and Oakville Rock, overtime was needed.
This time the Chiefs came out on top 14-11 to even the best-of-seven series 1-1.
After Randy Staats opened the scoring in the full 10-minute extra frame, Stephan Leblanc quickly responded for the Rock. But Ryan Benesch's third goal of the game and sixth point of the night proved to be the winner. Staats amd Dhane Smith added some insurance late in the period with empty-net goals.
The Chiefs got a much better start on Thursday night at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre despite Brett Hickey opening the scoring. Staats, Craig Point, Jeremy Thompson and Benesch all responded, giving the Chiefs a lead after 20 minutes.
Brad Kri had the other Rock goal.
Even though Staats added two more goals and Benesch opened the scoring, the Rock owned the second period to tie things up. They got a pair of goals from Mitch Desnoo, while Wes Berg, Jeremy Noble and Eric Fannell netted one each.
Berg opened the third-period scoring, before Staats, Smith and Vaughn Harris gave the Chiefs another lead. But the Rock quickly replied again, this time Fannell and Hickey scored a minute apart to tie the game and force overtime.
For a second-straight time in the series, the Chiefs were outshot. This time Brandon Miller got the call and made 52 saves, while his National Lacrosse League partner, Nick Rose stopped 44 for the Rock.
Game 2 of the series returns to the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena Tuesday at 8 p.m.

THE SERIES
Game 1 Oakville 7, Chiefs 7
Game 2 Chiefs 14, Oakville 11
Game 3 Tuesday at ILA 8 p.m.
Game 4 Aug. 10 in Oakville 8 p.m.
Game 5 Aug. 12 at ILA 7 p.m.
Game 6 Aug. 14 in Oakville 8 p.m.
Game 7 Aug. 15 at ILA 8 p.m.


GAME 1