Second-half comeback clinches top spot for Shooting Eagles

Ben Musso (right) eludes the check of Brian Gillis during the Shooting Eagles 16-12 win over the Black Fish in Arena Lacrosse League West action on February 5 at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag photo

A seven-goal run helped turn the tide as the Shooting Eagles made sure their setback from the week before was a thing of the past. Fresh off their first loss of the season, the Eagles turned a 7-6 half-time deficit into a 16-12 win over the Black Fish.

The teams were playing on Wednesday night at Langley Events Centre with the victory clinching first place for the Shooting Eagles in the Arena Lacrosse League West Division as they sport a 9-1 record with four regular season games remaining. The Black Fish are tied for second at 4-6.

Mark Yingling led the offensive onslaught with five goals while Declan Fitzpatrick had a goal and six points. Patrick Corbett finished with a hat trick while Jake Young (2-3) and Dylan Lacroix (2-1) also had multi-goal games. Keegan Kozack (1-3), Doug Porter and Ethan Self each had a goal to round out the scoring.

Tristan Lomas made 31 saves on 43 shots and Tyson Johnson was dominant on face-offs, winning 26 of 31.

Ethan M’Lot was the top scorer for the Black Fish with a goal and five assists while Connor Watson (2-1), Brian Gillis (2-1) and Cameron Ickert (2-0) each potting a pair of goals. Chase McIntyre (1-1), Jordan Roberts (1-1), Lazlo Henning (1-1), Drew Andre and Rhys Porteous scoring a goal each.

Brandon Humphrey made 38 saves on 50 shots while Keegan Okino stopped 10 of 14 as the Black Fish were outshot 64-43.

Both teams are back in action on Saturday (February 8) at Langley Events Centre with the Shooting Eagles (9-1) playing the Grizzlies (3-7) at 1:00pm while the Black Fish face the Sea Spray in a battle of 4-6 teams at 4:00pm.

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