The San Diego Seals secured a 17-9 win over Panther City Lacrosse Club on Friday night at Dickies Arena in a physical battle vs. the #3 team in the West. After tonight’s victory and stopping PCLC’s 4 game win streak at home, the Seals are one win away from securing a playoff spot in the March to May.
The first quarter saw an immediate dominance from the Seals offense with a quick 5-1 lead, and a heavy brawl to close out the quarter between Austin Staats and PCLC’s Liam Patten. Each served a 5 minute penalty for fighting, and set a new standard for the level of physicality that remained through the rest of the matchup. Staats and Patten also provided lacrosse fans with the most entertaining fight in the league this season.
Other notable moments from the night include Seals rookie, Jake Govett, bagging his first career goal, followed by his second, and then his third, to mark his first career hat trick. “It was definitely nice to break the seal. It shows just how good the offense is and how much we trust each other. They’re giving everyone the ball, and everyone has a look, and it showed tonight,” said Govett on tonight’s performance.
Halftime saw a score of 13-5, which led into a second half just as physical as the first. Between the two teams, the game saw a total of 42 minutes of penalties with an even split between San Diego and Panther City.
One standout from the night was Seals goalie, Chris Origlieri, who ended with 35 saves in the big win. The veterans also helped secure the lead with a massive 10 total points from Berg, 8 from both Dobbie and Staats, and 7 for Dickson.
The Seals are now one win away from clenching a playoff spot, and can secure the spot in tomorrow’s big matchup vs. Buffalo. “We’re definitely looking to bigger and better things, not just clenching. We’re looking for more and more,” said Govett.
The Seals return to Pechanga Arena tomorrow, March 25 for game two in the doubleheader weekend to take on the #1 in the East, the Buffalo Bandits. This is the most anticipated matchup of the NLL this weekend as both teams sit in 1st place of their divisions, but a challenge for San Diego playing back-to-back nights.
“We’re a hard working team and nobody is going to out work us, even after a back-to-back,” said Jake Govett on tomorrow’s game. “I’m glad with what we put up tonight and we’ll do it again tomorrow.”
The Bandits are coming off of a loss against the Colorado Mammoth on March 18, ending a six-game win streak. Additionally, Saturday’s game against the Seals will be the first time this season the Bandits will travel west to face an opponent.
Saturday’s game will be extra special, as the Seals pay homage to the King of the Monsters himself for GODZILLA NIGHT. The Seals will rep special edition Godzilla jerseys throughout the duration of the game, which are being auctioned off to fans. The night will be full of Godzilla-themed entertainment, and will conclude with a special postgame screening of Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla on the jumbotron.
Saturday’s game will be aired on ESPNEWS, and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
Face off will take place at 7 pm PT. Get your tickets for this monster-sized matchup RIGHT HERE.
