ROCKY RIVER, Ohio -- Rocky River was taken down by a talented Columbus Watterson team in a hard-fought non-conference game Saturday. The Eagles defeated the Pirates 7-1.

In what marked River's first game since April 12, the Pirates were held to just a lone goal (Rowan McDougal) in the second period. McDougal's goal -- his 12th of the season -- came at the 9:07-mark of the second quarter and was the first goal of a taut, defensive battle. But the Eagles answered four minutes later, and that pair of goals -- one a side -- would make it to halftime as the only scores reflected on the Rocky River Stadium scoreboard.

Led by the play of senior defenseman Robby Lang, River's defense allowed just three shots on goal (14 total) in the first half. Lang would finish the day with four ground balls and three caused turnovers.

But the visitors pushed through in the second half, however. Watterson tallied three goals in the third period and three more in the fourth, all while keeping a lid on their own cage at the other end. Rocky River (4-6) was held scoreless on on nine shots (five on frame) in the second half.

For the game, the Maroon & White were held to an 0-for-4 mark in man-up situations. They have now failed to tally extra-man goals in six of their last eight games. River was sharp on midfield scrums, winning 9-of-13 faceoffs; it was a minus-4 (19, 15) in turnovers.

The Pirates' one goal marked their lowest single-game total since May 5, 2017 (one vs. Medina).

Rocky River will host a Northern Ohio Lacrosse League game against Strongsville Tuesday at 6 p.m. That contest will mark Senior Night for the program.


by Skip Snow

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