The Victoria Shamrocks have their sights set on Maple Ridge.
The Shamrocks finally discovered their opponents in the Western Lacrosse Association finals when the Maple Ridge Burrards secured a spot in the finals, clinching the series with a 10-8 victory to eliminate the Burnaby Lakers in six games.
The Victoria side has been patiently awaiting their opponent since Aug. 14 after eliminating the New Westminster Salmonbellies in a four-game sweep.
“There are a few areas we want to address, to look after, but all in all it was a good result,” said Shamrocks head coach Bob Heyes. “A lot of emotional highs and emotional ups and downs... We learned a lot, which is great learning and overcoming different adversities in the playoffs.”
He said the regular season, in which they secured first overall in the league, was a preseason of sorts and he looks forward to working with a team that has grown from last year’s Mann Cup loss – a squad he says is both injury free and deeper than last years team.
“There is a real burning desire to want to get back to the Mann Cup... This next series is going to be taxing. I don’t foresee it being a four-game sweep by either team,” Heyes said. “We will keep our focus on right now and we will definitely be up to the challenge (and it will) definitely be a good series.”
The best-of-seven starts today (Aug. 20) at the 100.3 The Q Centre at 7:45 p.m. Games 3, 5 and 7 (if necessary) are also in Colwood with even numbered games in Maple Ridge.
“We had a great regular season so we have the home floor advantage, the fans are great and when it comes to winning the series we can do it at home leaving the fans with a good taste in their mouth,” Heyes said.
For more information visit victoriashamrocks.com