ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- Rocky River picked up two wins in 22 hours and won the first conference title in program history along the way. On Friday, River defeated Kenston, 12-5. On Saturday, the Pirates downed Northern Ohio Lacrosse League foe Brunswick, 11-7. That game against the Blue Devils sealed an outright NOLL title for the Pirates, who went 9-0 in nine league contests this spring.

Rowan McDougal (six goals), Will Bennett (five goals, assist), and Wes Bennett (five goals) were Rocky River's top scorers over the twin weekend wins. Hayden Weaver had three goals and five assists. McDougal scored five goals in the win over Brunswick.

The middle quarters were all-River over the two games (Friday on the road, Saturday at home). The Pirates outscored the Bombers and Devils, 15-2, over the second and third frames.

Brunswick scored four fourth-quarter goals to finish with the most single-game goals by a River opponent since April 17 (8-Columbus St. Francis). But the Pirate defense and goalkeeping were otherwise exceptional in helping the Maroon & White maintain and build on early leads. Over the two games, Reece Rochester logged a .600 save percentage (16-of-30). Charlie Hudson had 10 ground balls and seven caused turnovers. Matthew McDonald had 13 ground balls; Nathan Robertson added 10. Kai Delventhal had three caused turnovers. Mack Massad went 24-16 over 40 faceoffs.

The Pirates are 10-1 since March 30. The program had competed as an independent prior to the NOLL launching this spring.

The Detroit Road Buccaneers are slated to host a non-league game against Chagrin Falls on Tuesday.


by Skip Snow

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