ASHKELON, ISRAEL — Bryan Hopper and Barak Netanya LC shocked top-ranked Haifa with a 12-7 win on Thursday to capture the inaugural IPLL Championship at New Municipal Stadium.
Hopper scored five goals in his first full game back from injury to earn EL AL Player of the Game honors, as Netanya (6-2) overcame an early 4-1 deficit, going on a 10-1 run to take command of the game and eventually deliver the knockout punch.
Jesse Parker (three goals, two assists) and Matthew Greenberg (two goals, two assists) had big nights for Barak, while Chase Clark (one goal, one assist) and Aaron Feinberg (one goal, one assist) also contributed on offense.
Andrew Copeland (60:00, 14 saves, 7 GA) improved to 4-0 in goal for Netanya with the Championship win.
Justin Diamond (two goals, one assist) and Noah Obuchowski (two goals) led Haifa (6-2), while Bradley Diamond, Nate Archer and Max Friend added singles. Ted Bergman (60:00, 16 saves, 12 GA) was dealt the loss in goal.
Earlier in the evening, Ashkelon (3-5) topped Tel Aviv (1-7) in a consolation match.