ASHKELON, ISRAEL — Ashkelon LC overcame the defending champion Barak Netanya LC with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring their opponents 7-0 in the final 15 minutes to claim an 11-8 win at New Municipal Stadium on Tuesday.
Drew Saltzman was named EL AL Player of the Game for his three goal performance, while Max Wendell and Caleb Brodie each added two goals and one assist.
Netanya (0-1) led 8-4 after three quarters, but Ashkelon’s Max Wendall scored the game-tying and game-winning goal, with 7:30 and 3:55 remaining, respectively. Two more goals in the final two minutes put the opening night win away for Ashkelon (1-0).
Noah Parker (two goals), Will Gansler (one goal), Benjamin Lassow (one goal) and Aaron Lassow (one assist) also cracked the scoresheet for Ashkelon. Gabriel Gross (60:00, 8 saves, 8 GA) earned the win in goal.
Drew Gallant (three goals, two assists) led Netanya, while Jacob Milner and Jonah Biblowitz chipped in two goals apiece, and Ruben Narine added one goal and three assists. Noah Katz (60:00, 7 saves, 11 GA) was dealt the loss in goal.
Despite the loss, Barak Netanya head coach Pete Ginnegar said that his team “played loose” in the first half and controlled the draws for the majority of the game.
Ashkelon meets Be’er Sheva LC in a battle for first place on Wednesday at 5:00 PM. Netanya meets Ashdod LC at 8:00 PM. Both games are held at Ashdod Sport Club as part of the Ashdod Lacrosse Festival.