In the highly anticipated rematch of last years championship game we knew we were in for a battle. In 2019 the Whipsnakes won on an overtime goal by Matt Rambo, and while the Whips did win again in overtime, the 2020 version of this classic rivalry felt very different.
The Redwoods and Whipsnakes entered the game prepared to face each other for a league-high fifth time, and the game started like most games do for the Whipsnakes, hitting singles.
— Whipsnakes Lacrosse Club (@PLLWhipsnakes) August 7, 2020
By the numbers
With both goalies finishing the game at around 50%, the glaring advantage for the Whipsnakes was yet again face-offs. Nardella continues his MVP like campaign and went 18/26 at the stripe, with 15 ground balls. With such a disadvantage on face-offs, the Redwoods used their aggressive defense to create a ridiculous 17 turnovers keeping the game close.
Unlikely heroes
Brad Smith elevated his play adding 5 assists, while Jay Carlson out shined his line mates with 4 goals. Matt Rambo and Zed Williams were virtually non-existent on the stat sheet.
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) August 7, 2020
Pat Harbeson may have had one of the best all around stat lines of the series contributing 3 ground balls, 3 caused turnovers, and chipping in a goal.
With the game in overtime and a majority of the starting offensive midfielders gassed, Jeremy Sieverts scored the game winner, his first goal of the tournament.
— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) August 7, 2020
Thick roots
The Redwoods have proven that they will compete with anyone in the league, and that they will do so through grit and team defense. The issue that plagued them last year, an ability to score consistently, plagued them again this season. We expect the Woods to return next year with a vengeance, and hopefully with a little extra help at attack.
Wow. Woods were down 9-2 in Championship. Down 8-2 tonight. There's no quit in that club. They'll be back.
Despite the loss, the Redwoods erased a 30% win probability in the first half to tie it 10-10 in the third quarter (52% win probability) before ultimately falling to the Whipsnakes in overtime.
PLL Betting Breakdown
With the game ending 13-12 in favor of the Whipsnakes, the Redwoods successfully covered and both team combined to breeze past the over. Look for the revamped Chaos to help the Whipsnakes hit the over again on Sunday.
Next Up
With the results of today’s game the PLL Championship is set, as the Whipsnakes will take on the spasmodic Chaos, who seem to have found their rhythm when it counts. Look to take the over when these two teams meet on Sunday, August 9th, 12:30pm ET (NBC).
Oliver Marti: Starting an NLL Team in Albany and Investing in the PLL and Epoch Lacrosse (Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast #130)
byPro Lacrosse Talk
On this episode of the Pro Lacrosse Talk Podcast, Hutton Jackson and Adam Moore are joined by three-time All-American at Brown University, investor in the PLL, and the newest NLL owner Oliver Marti. He discusses moving the New England Black Wolves franchise to Albany, New York, why the city of Albany was chosen and share his thoughts on the team’s potential new identity. He also discusses his time playing for Dom Starsia at Brown University, playing for the New York Saints in the MILL, starting the Connecticut Box Lacrosse League, investing in the Premier Lacrosse League and equipment manufacturer Epoch Lacrosse, and his opinion on the current state of pro lacrosse.
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Pro Lacrosse Talk is the flagship lacrosse podcast of the Lacrosse Playground network covering all three professional lacrosse leagues (NLL, PLL, Athletes Unlimited). Each week throughout the season we’ll recap the games, provide analysis on the teams and feature exclusive postgame and off-the-field interviews with professional lacrosse players, coaches and executives. If you’re a fan of lacrosse podcasts like the Unbuckled Chinstrap, The Inside Feed, Lacrosse Classified or The Crease Dive, then give us a listen.