Major League Lacrosse :      June 9, 2001 [ The Game Story]
Boston Cannons 11 New Jersey Pride 12 Scoring: Scoring: Mike Battista Tim Whiteley Greg Traynor Tucker Radebaugh Doug Knight David Evans Mike Busza (3, 1) (1, 2) (2, 0) (1, 1) (1, 0) (1, 0) (1, 0) Jesse Hubbard Jay Jalbert David Curry Tom Ryan Peter Jacobs Pat Duttan Drew Melchioni Jon Hess Matt Caione (7, 0) (1, 2) (1, 1) (0, 1) (0, 1) (0, 1) (1, 0) (1, 0) (1, 0) Saves: Saves:         Current Record :     (0-1) Current Record :     (1-0) Team Page For 2001 Team Page For 2001       The Game Story:

Lowell, MA - In 1996 and the year after, the Princeton team that had Jon Hess and Jesse Hubbard shot down UVA's chance at the NCAA crown when both Whiteley (also the Cannons' coach's kid) and Radebaugh were part of the Virginia squad. So you could say that there was something a little extra to this game. There were eight Princeton alums to UVA's ten between the two teams with Jon Hess and Jesse Hubbard on attack for The Pride, and Doug Knight, Tim Whiteley and Michael Watson running the game for the Boston Cannons. The run and gun style of attack that these boys used to play in college was definitely apparent in the movement of the rock on offense. Boston goalie and UNC grad Bill Daye had an outstanding day with 17 saves even though his team failed to win the game.

Boston's midfield spearheaded by Mike Battista and Tucker Radebaugh carried the advantage of Batttista's rocket for a shot and Tuckers ability to find the open alley to the goal. However Jersey had all the right elements to subdue the Boston threats with the speed and field vision of ex-Cavalier Jay Jalbert and the quick face-offs from Peter Jacobs.

The first quarter got off to a quick start with Battista scoring unassisted beating Koudelka with a shot to the lower right corner. The Pride quickly answered back ten seconds later by the Jersey sniper Jesse Hubbard. The Cannons clearly had the Pride outplayed in the first quarter with the superior goaltending of ex-Tar Heel goalie Bill Daye making clutch saves to hold the Boston lead at four.

The second quarter was just as explosive to start with quick goals exchanged by both teams. The Cannons created sweet scoring opportunities for Doug Knight, David Evans and Battista with quick ball movement. However, the steady offense of New Jersey created a lot of open space for clear cuts to the goal and outside shots. Boston went in to halftime with an 8-6 lead over New Jersey.

The third quarter was dominated by strong defense on both sides and the next goal wasn't scored until New Jersey tied it at the 12-minute mark with a rifle of a shot from David Curry stick side corner. The last goal of the game came about a minute later, to give the Pride control of the game for the first time. Jesse Hubbard scored his seventh goal. Jesse scored an amazing behind the back goal from the left side goal line extended over Abeles stick side.

Loyola's Battista led the Cannons with 5 goals and an assist. Despite Boston's strong play, they were unable to keep up with Jersey possession of the ball on offense. Consuming the majority of the third quarter with the ball on offense for Jersey did not allow the Cannons enough time to score in the second half. It looked like the Pride killed the Boston fuse before they were able to take any 2-pointers.