ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (March 27, 2025) -- The Pirates remained unbeaten on the young 2025 season with a 13-7 triumph over Avon Lake in Thursday-night Northern Ohio Lacrosse League action. Rocky River scored the first four goals of the contest and won in wire-to-wire fashion.

The Maroon & White got five goals from junior midfielder Ryan Taylor and four from sophomore midfielder Michael Bebie. A masterful first-quarter performance by sophomore goalkeeper Gordon Hudson helped the Pirates maintain their early lead. Hudson filed seven saves in that first frame; he had nine for the game.

Rocky River (3-0, 2-0 NOLL) led 6-3 at the half and 10-4 through three quarters. Bebie and Taylor combined for six of River's first seven goals.

For the game, Avon Lake (1-2, 0-2) outshot the Pirates 32-25. The senior-laden Shoremen got three goals from senior midfielder Mason Discenza and two goals and an assist from senior attackman Devin Dew.

Taylor's night included a 10-5 mark on faceoffs. He is 25-11 (69.4%) in midfield scrums through the team's first three games. Connor Nesbett added two assists and three ground balls. William Sawyer ledgered four ground balls and a caused turnover. Tyler Stanciu filed one scoop and three spills.

The Sons of Blackbeard have now defeated Avon Lake three straight times. Thursday's six-goal margin of victory marked the widest in the series since 2018 (12-0 River win on March 23, 2018).

The contest on Detroit Road marked the first of three straight home games for the River Raiders. The Double-R will continue that stretch next Thursday against Avon.

by Skip Snow

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