BOCA RATON, Fla.—Saturday night was one for the Launch record books as they took down the Chesapeake Bayhawks in an electrifying 20-19 victory, marking the first time the Launch reached six wins in a single season. They did it in front of 2,143 fans at FAU Stadium.
With the hype surrounding the first-ever jersey retirement of lacrosse legend Casey Powell’s iconic No. 22, the Launch entered their matchup with the Bayhawks with an unwavering energy that propelled them to an 11-3 lead at the half.
Though the Bayhawks overcame their halftime deficit to tie the game in the fourth quarter, the Launch held on, with a game winner from Dylan Molloy to solidify their close victory.
Coca-Cola Player of the Game McArdle lead the Launch with seven points (4G, 3A), besting his performance from the Launch’s last meeting with Chesapeake.
“It shows a lot about our team as a whole to be able to grind it out and pull out the W,” said McArdle.
Rookie Nick Mariano followed close behind McArdle with five points (3G, 2A), recording his first career hat trick. Mariano was one of five Launch players to register three goals tonight, along with McArdle, fellow rookie Molloy, Launch veteran Chazz Woodson, and fellow Orangeman Steven Brooks.
Austin Kaut was a force in the cage, keeping the Bayhawks to three goals in the first half. Through four quarters, Kaut saved 19 out of 36 goals to reach a league-best 206 saves.
“Heart and hustle was the key,” he said.
The Launch return to FAU Stadium for their final home game of the season on July 22 to take on the Charlotte Hounds.
