ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (April 9, 2024) -- Stifling. The Sons of Blackbeard continue to be a piratical pain for opposing offenses. On Tuesday night in Westlake, Rocky River held a foe under five goals for a fourth time this season, as the Pirates defeated the Demons 11-3.

River allowed just 13 shots and eight shots on goal in what marked its first win against Westlake since 2019. The Pirates controlled possession time by going 13-4 on 17 faceoffs, and they killed off 4-of-5 man-down situations.

Once the Pirates had control of the Northern Ohio Lacrosse League tussle on the scoreboard, they clamped down even harder on their hosts. After Rocky River (6-1, 4-1 NOLL) had scored the final two goals of the second quarter, the Maroon & White went into halftime leading 6-3. The Pirates would allow just two shots on goal the rest of the way.

Five different Double-R players scored those first six River goals. For the game, five Pirates -- Michael Bebie (two goals, one assist), Andrew Lang (1G, 1A), Rowan McDougal (2G, 1A), Dominic Ricketti (1G, 2A), Joe Smith (3G) -- tallied multiple points. The Buccaneers scored their 11 goals on 29 shots (17 on frame).

Defensemen Cohen Blair (goal, six ground balls, two caused turnovers) and Trent Delventhal (5 GB, 3 CT) and goalkeeper Gordon Hudson (five saves) paced the Rocky River defensive effort. Michael McDonough kept the defensive corps fresh by going 13-3 on faceoffs.

Through seven games, the Pirates have allowed just 3 goals per contest.

Rocky River will have its stifling and swashbuckling defense put to a test Thursday, when the Pirates welcome a 5-0 Wooster Generals team to Rocky River Stadium (7 p.m. faceoff). Wooster is averaging a robust 12.3 goals per game.

by Skip Snow

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