COQUITLAM 13 VICTORIA 7
The hole to climb out of just got deeper for the Victoria Shamrocks, down 2-0 in their best-of-seven Western Lacrosse Association semifinal series against the Coquitlam Adanacs, after Wednesday's 13-7 loss on the mainland.
The Shamrocks now need to win four of the next five games if they want to advance to the league championship final, a tough task.
"If we play the type of game we need to play and we lose, then it's a step in the right direction; then we're building. But if it's the same old type of game, then it will be a challenge," said Shamrocks head coach Bob Heyes, ahead of Game 2, referring to the possibility of slipping to 0-2.
"Mentally, it would be a challenge, especially with not much time between Game 2 and 3. It could turn into that rolling stone that might not stop. But I'm going to challenge these guys on what it takes."
Game 3 goes Friday at 7:45 p.m. at Bear Mountain Arena before the two teams return to Coquitlam for Game 4 on Sunday.
In the 2011 playoffs, Victoria was eliminated in four straight games to eventual WLA champions the Langley Thunder.
On Wednesday, the Shamrocks, for the second straight outing, didn't have an answer to Dane Dobbie, who provided four goals (three in the first period) and an assist for the Adanacs. Mark Negrin added four tallies and Travis Cornwall had a pair for the victors, who take a commanding series lead. Kevin Olson, Ryan Johnson and Daniel McQuade also scored for Coquitlam.
Jeff Shattler, with three goals, Corey Small, Brock Armour, Karsen Leung and Mitch McLaren replied for the Shamrocks, who fell behind 2-0 just 1:45 into the game and were down 5-3 and 9-5 by periods.
Victoria was once again turned aside by Adanacs goaltender Nick Rose, who continues to be a thorn in the 'Rocks' side. Rose made 31 saves.
Chris Levis made the start in goal for Victoria, but was pulled in favour of Matt Flindell in the second period after allowing seven goals on 15 shots.
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