SOLON, Ohio (April 4, 2024) -- The Pirates returned from their spring-break hiatus Thursday, coasting to a 12-0 victory in a non-conference game at Solon. Scoring multiple goals for the Sons of Blackbeard were Michael Bebie (two goals), Patrick Connelly (2G), Andrew Lang (4G), and Rowan McDougal (2G, two assists), and a stifling Double-R defense continued its early-season dominance by holding the host Comets to just three shots on goal.

The shutout marked the first for Rocky River (4-1) since March 28, 2023 (23-0 vs. Mentor), and the 12 goals marked the most by the Pirates since April 15 (12 vs. Copley). The Maroon & White went into the game -- their first since March 26 -- averaging 6.5 goals per contest.

The Pirates potted multiple goals in each stanza and for the night put 22-of-37 shots on frame. Their output included season-first goals for Connelly and Will Romell.

The Comets (0-5) filed just 12 total shots on the evening. Their three on net were turned away by goalkeeper Ayad Mehulic, who went the route in a game that registered running-clock status by the middle of the fourth quarter. The River ride spilled nine Solon clears, and for the game the Comets were tagged with 28 turnovers. Logging multiple scoops and spills on the night were Cohen Blair (seven ground balls, five caused turnovers), Trent Delventhal (7 GB, 2 CT), and William Sawyer (5 GB, 2 CT).

The Buccaneers' 14 caused turnovers marked the program's most in a single game since June 2, 2021 (14 vs. Chagrin Falls), and Solon's 28 miscues marked the most by a River foe since April 19, 2018 (Olmsted Falls 28).

The Maroon & White are scheduled to play Saturday at home (1 p.m. vs. Bowling Green).



by Skip Snow

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