It was a two-bomb clinic, as Redwoods were able to power past Atlas, 11-10, in a back-and-forth affair to close out group play on Saturday afternoon at Zions Bank Stadium. A 2-pointer from Myles Jones with 5:30 in the fourth quarter would prove to be the game winner, as Atlas was unable to score on a final chance late in the contest and fall to 1-3.
Atlas got things going right out of the gate with Trevor Baptiste winning the opening faceoff and taking it to the rack in the first 12 seconds of the contest. Sergio Perkovic followed quickly, cashing in on a 2-pointer to put Redwoods ahead 2-1 early.
A corner stinging rip from Bryan Costabile and a Rob Pannell diving goal from X helped tie things up 3-3 heading into the second and gave Atlas some strong momentum. They were able to carry that momentum through the second quarter, as they got two early goals from Chris Cloutier and Costabile.
Down 5-4 entering the third after a very lacklustre second quarter, Joe Walters threw a pass from deep but it found its way past Jack Concannon to put Redwoods up 6-5. However, Atlas answered in a timely fashion with Connor Buzcek cashing in on a power play opportunity and Romar Dennis blasting a missile from 2-point land to put them ahead 8-6.
With the help of a Ryder Garnsey goal late in the third, the Redwoods were able to make it a one-goal game heading into the fourth. While Costabile was able to put Atlas in front again early in the fourth, Perkovic cashed in on another two pointer. Myles Jones hit one just a few possessions later following a snipe from Ryan Brown, which put Redwoods ahead 11-10 and helped seal the deal. If you’re keeping count, Redwoods had four 2-pointers and Atlas one. Perkovic leads the PLL with six 2-point goals.
Redwoods were led by Joe Walters with one 2-pointer and and two assists and Sergio Perkovic who had two 2-pointers. In cage, Tim Troutner made 11 saves with a 55% clip.
Trevor Baptiste wad dominate at the faceoff dot for Atlas, going 15-for-20 (75%). He also scooped up eight ground balls and scored a goal. Connor Buck led the Atlas offense with three points (1G/2A).
