Outscoring the Salmonbellies 4-0 in the third period enabled the Victoria Shamrocks to score a 10-9 victory in game 2 of the Western Lacrosse Association championship final series Monday night in New Westminster.
The goal-scoring in the final frame illustrated the Shamrocks' depth, as gritty defender Jon Harnett and transition player Karsen Leung tallied, along with forwards Dan McRae and Scott Ranger, to give the visitors the come-from-behind win.
Victoria goaltender Aaron Bold was once again a big factor, turning aside all 12 shots he faced in the period and 38 in all.
Ranger finished with three goals and an assist on the night, while Leung scored twice, including a shorthanded marker in the second period that gave the Shamrocks a temporary 5-4 lead.
The game went back and forth early on, with Keegan Bal opening scoring for the Bellies 3:33 into the first. New West held a 4-3 lead after 20 minutes and it took until the 9:18 mark of the second for Ranger to tie it up for the 'Rocks with his second goal of the game.
After Leung's odd-man marker gave the visitors the lead, the Bellies reeled off five of the next six goals to grab a 9-6 lead heading into the final period.
Bal led New West on the night with two goals and two helpers, while Jordan McBride had four assists. Also scoring were Logan Schuss, Josh Byrne, Brendan Ranford, Connor Robinson, Tyler Crompton, Jeff Cornwall and Nathan Stewart.
Scoring singles for the Shamrocks were Corey Small, Cory Conway and Tyler Burton.
New West goalie Eric Penney played the whole game this time around, turning aside 38 of 48 shots.
The game only saw a handful of minor penalties, with neither team wanting to give away a critical advantage.
Game 3 goes tomorrow night (Aug. 19), 7:45 p.m. at The Q Centre in Colwood. Tickets are available online here, or at the door.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com