ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (April 16, 2024) -- The Pirates earned their fifth double-digit victory of the season, as Rocky River defeated Avon 16-3 in Tuesday-night Northern Ohio Lacrosse League action.

In a contest at Rocky River Stadium that marked the program's Senior Night, the Class of 2024 accounted for 11 goals, nine ground balls, and nine draw controls. River scored the first five goals of the game and went on to plant six goals in the first quarter, five in the second, three in the third, and two in the fourth. The Pirates (8-0, 5-0 NOLL) outshot the Eagles 32-4; they sailed the Tuesday-night tilt into running clock territory by the end of the first half.

Seniors Reagan Connelly, Mia Hildebrand, Acadia Hover, Mackenzie Russell, and Audrey White anchored a defense that yielded just one shot on goal not derived from a free-position opportunity. Connelly finished the night with a goal and four ground balls. Russell filed two goals, one assist, two ground balls, one caused turnover, and four draw controls. Her first scoop on the night marked her 100th career ground ball. 

A stout River defense has now held four straight NOLL foes to single-digit shot totals.

On offense, the Striped Buccaneers got 4G and 3A from senior attacker Alexis Tisler, 3G and 4A from senior attacker Kaitlyn Byrne, and 3G and 1A from Russell. Byrne's assist total tied a single-game high for the 2024 Pirates (Tisler vs. Avon Lake May 21). Senior midfielder Daisy Thompson registered 1G and 1A; senior attacker Ella Hopkins added an assist.

Grace DeWitt (3G), Addie Tisler (2A), and Emma Yezbak (1G) also logged points for the Pirates. Connelly ledgered four ground balls. DeWitt and Kylie Spies were each credited with three spills.

That's all one way to attach numbers to one way attach numerical precision to what the Maroon & White accomplished on one night in April 2024. But try this one on for size: with the victory Tuesday, the Class of 2024 is now an aggregate 57-14. 

That's much to celebrate in this graduation season of celebration and reflection.

by Skip Snow

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