The Redhawks opened the best of 3 series with rival Newtown with a Friday night home loss 10-7. Onondaga was now facing elimination as they traveled to Newtown for Game 2. Cheered on by the caravans of fans who made the trip west, Onondaga behind the stellar goaltending of Spencer Lyons, won Game 2 11-8 forcing a deciding Game 3 back at Onondaga on Sunday.
Sunday’s Game 3 between Newtown and Onondaga was delayed until 8:30 due to the previously scheduled minor lacrosse championships at Onondaga. The minor championships saw the Redhawks collect 3 out of the 7 divisional crowns.
The first period saw Ryan Lewis continue his streak of scoring first in all 3 games of the series. The Redhawks then saw Newtown build a 3-2 lead. It looked as though the period was going to end with the Redhawks tailing by 1 until a tremendous effort by Mike Abrams. Defensive ace Mike Abrams lead a fast break and was checked and lost his balance. Before he hit floor, Mike was able to get off a shot that was able to beat the Newtown goalie to tie it at three!
In the second period, Dustin Hill was able to find the back of the net to give the Redhawks back the lead as goaltender Rosco “Ross” Bucktooth settled in and turned away all Newtown shots. The third period saw Rosco make save after save, sliding from pipe to pipe and frustrating the visiting Golden Eagles. At the end of the game, Onondaga had won the game, defeated the Newtown Golden Eagles 2 games to 1, and earned a birth in the Can-Am championships!
With the win, the Redhawks will battle for the right to represent the Can-Am league in the upcoming President’s cup in Calgary. Standing in the way is the reigning champions the Six Nations Sting. The first 2 games will be in Oshwekan on Friday and Saturday, while game 3 (Sunday Aug. 3rd at 3 pm) and game 4 (Monday Aug. 4th at 7 pm) will be at Onondaga.