The Rhode Island Kingfish have played three games all time in the North American Lacrosse League, and they have lost them all. First they fell to Kentucky by three, then Baltimore by four and finally, Boston by 13.
“Our confidence is not an issue.” says goaltender Joe Evans. “No one on our team is down despite our record. Although we would have liked to come away with a W in our first 2 games given they were close we’ve looked back at what we have done positive and have been improving on areas that we struggled in.”
Evans has been praised by team mates and opponents alike for the season he has had, despite his 18.00 Goals Against Average. Last week he was pulled in the fourth in favor of Jamieson Love in his professional debut.
“Given that at this point we’re 0-3 all areas of our game can see improvement.” says Evans. “Our D is playing more physical each week and our O is grasping the importance of playing at a high tempo. We’re only going to continue to improve in the second half of our season.”
Evan Roberts, a defender with the Kingfish, says things are not going as well as he and the team had hoped. “The season has not gone as well as we would have liked. I had a better first game than the last one so, I need to improve my personal performance in the next game and for the rest of the season. It is fun to play though and are team is getting to know each other better which can only help us on the floor.
“We know what we need to improve on and had a good practice last night, its just doing what we practice and talk about in the games with not really that much time together and practice especially since most of us have little to no Box experience.”
Rhode Island next plays the Baltimore Bombers on Saturday at 8pm. They played tough against Baltimore last time but the Bombers scored the last five goals to come away with victory.
“Playing on the next level is defiantly a positive for me.” Evans said. “In the first three games I’ve seen a fair amount of rubber and I’m learning and progressing my game every step of the way. Obviously as a Kingfish I would like to have a few tallies in the win column. As an American goaltender it’s a constant uphill battle to play against good competition that’s why the NALL is going to be such an asset for American box players now and in the future.”
“As we play together more and get more box experience are mental mistakes will decrease which is what has hurt us the most, and are box awareness and skills are coming along. We could be a dangerous team at the end of the year.” Roberts explained.
“We have competed every game and have had some bright spots of seeing when different plays work or our concepts are done by all 5 guys on the floor.”
Evans, despite the struggles, credits the defense as a bright spot this season. “Our D has played great all year. We have spent the majority of each game in the defensive zone. We are in great game shape which helps us dictate the tempo of the game. Our offense continues to improve and understand the way box should be played.”
Rhode Island got off to a bad start this season, on and off the field, but they hope that they can end it on a positive note.
