The Rochester Knighthawks took it to the Toronto Rock Saturday night in National Lacrosse League exhibition action at the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, Ontario. The Knighthawks controlled the entire game on their way to a 12-6 victory.
Colin Doyle opened the scoring early but that was the only lead the Rock would see as the Knighthawks responded with four unanswered goals and never looked back.
Dan Dawson, Joel McCready, Cory Vitarelli and Brad Self were all in on the opening action as the Knighthawks went into the first break with a 4-1 lead.
In the second quarter Toronto starting closing in and it looked like they were going to tie it up. Veteran Rob Hellyer and American rookie Eric Law both scored to briefly make it a one goal game but Rochester woke up quickly from that short lapse and came back with three goals of their own.
The teams traded goals until the fourth quarter when goaltender Matt Vinc shut the door for the final 15 minutes, allowing his team to hang on for the win. Vinc and Rock goalie Nick Rose each played great games, making several big saves along the way.
Rochester’s ability to move the ball and create openings down the middle was the difference in this game. Dan Dawson and Cody Jamieson were able to draw out two defenders on numerous occasions which allowed an open man to cut right down the middle for the open shot. The Knighthawks looked to be in mid season form and have been looking good in this latter part of the pre season.
The Knighthawks are right back at it Sunday afternoon when they face the Calgary Roughnecks at the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena in Hagersville, Ontario.
Rochester scorers: Dan Dawson 2 goals and 5 assists, Cory Vitarelli 2g 2a, Joel McCready 2g 1a, Brad Self 2g, Cody Jamieson 1g 3a, Stephen Keogh 1g 2a
Rock scorers: Eric Law 2 goals, Colin Doyle 1g, Josh Sanderson 1, Rob Hellyer 1g, Dustin Dunn 1g,
