Run in third pushes Pirates past Rockets

Rocky River’s offense got cold at the end of the first quarter, which allowed Bay to cut its 5-0 lead to 5-4.

After middie Mack Massad scored to close out the half up, 6-4, on March 17, the Pirates went on a 4-1 run in the third quarter to fuel a 13-6 win in the season opener.

Massad neared the school record of 10 points in a game, but totaled eight points, with six goals and two assists.

Just like the goal before the half, Massad scored an unassisted goal to open up the third quarter.

The Pirates outscored the Rockets, 7-2, in the second half and held a 25-10 shots on goal advantage and was 14-7 in faceoffs.

Bay trailed, 5-0, with less than two minutes left in the first quarter. However, they cut the deficit to 5-2 to start the second quarter and eventually 5-4 near the halfway point of the second quarter.

Rockets’ attacker Pat Lehane scored two goals and assisted a goal in the first half, combined with a goal and assist from teammate Zach Rose.

Rocky River’s 5-0 start was led by Massad and Ryan Hildebrand, who each scored two goals. Wes Bennett had a goal and two assists.

Each side capitalized off being a man up after penalties. Bay scored two goals while up a player, and Rocky River scored three.

Bay’s sophomore goalie Sean Kraft impressed in his debut with 11 quality saves.

Bay’s offense was led by Lehane, who had three goals and an assist. Rose and Carson Gergye each scored a goal and assisted on two.

Rocky River started its season 1-0 on the year and 1-0 in the Northern Ohio Lacrosse League. Bay dropped to 0-1 on the year and in the league. Rocky River and Bay will play their next games March 21. The Rockets will travel to play Mentor, and the Pirates will host Brunswick.

THE SCORE

ROCKY RIVER 13, BAY 6