Lakers enjoying 2-0 series lead after road victory against host Brooklin

By Sam Laskaris

For the second straight night a slow start proved to be costly for the Brooklin Lacrosse Club. The Peterborough Lakers took a 7-3 lead into the first intermission of their Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) contest versus the host Brooklin squad on Friday.
And then Lakers held on for a 14-12 win in the match held at the Iroquois Park Sports Centre in Whitby.

Peterborough now leads the best-of-seven MSL semi-final series 2-0. The host Lakers had registered a 12-9 victory in the series opener on Thursday, after jumping out to a 6-2 advantage after 20 minutes of action.

Brooklin head coach Jason Crosbie lamented about his squad’s slow start yet again on Friday.

“You can’t keep digging yourself into a hole,” he said. “But that’s what we’re doing. It’s the same old story though. The kids keep fighting back.”

Crosbie realizes on paper at least the series should be a mismatch.

“If you look at their lineup, it’s basically a pro lineup minus about two players,” he said. “And ours is trying to be a pro lineup. But we only have four pros in our lineup.” For the second straight night, Brooklin did manage to outshoot the Lakers, this time by a 53-42 count. But Crosbie’s youthful charges continue to make their share of mistakes, which often results in the ball in the back of their net.

“When we make a mistake they bury us,” Crosbie said, adding Peterborough miscues often are not as consequential as the Lakers’ defence or goalie frequently bails them out. Despite trailing by a pair of games, Crosbie believes his club is still capable of rebounding and going on to capture the series.

“We can play with these guys,” he said. “Why would we not believe (we can still win)?” It’s going to take an effort and it’s going to take the hustle and the compete to do it.” 

Connor Kearnan led the way offensively for Brooklin on Friday as he racked up eight points, consisting of two goals and six assists. Tanner Cook also had a big night for the hosts as he netted a hat trick and was credited with three assists. Brady Kearnan and Luke Pilcher chipped in with two goals each. Kyle Waters, Adam Perroni and Carter McKenzie had the other Brooklin goals.

The series will now resume in Peterborough as the Lakers will host Game 3 on Sunday. The opening faceoff for the match at the Peterborough Memorial Centre is scheduled for 7 p.m. Brooklin will then host Game 4 on Tuesday at 8 p.m.