Darren Zary, Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
The Saskatchewan Rush salvaged a win Thursday to close out a three-game U.S. road trip that saw the visitors play three games in only six games.
Saskatchewan downed the host Philadelphia Wings 16-12 to improve its National Lacrosse League record to 6-8, while Philadelphia slipped to 5-9.
Thursday’s game had been rescheduled from January 18 to March 28 after the original date was postponed due to extreme weather conditions impacting the visiting team’s travel.
The Rush suffered back-to-back losses to the Riptide in New York and Swarm in Georgia last weekend before capping off the unusual road swing with a victory in Pennsylvania.
Robert Church led the Rush with three goals and five assists for an eight-point night. Zach Manns (3-2—5) and Clark Walter (3-1—4) also notched a hat-trick for Saskatchewan, which led 4-1, 8-3 and 12-6 by quarters.
The Rush outshot the Wings 52-47. Frank Scigliano made 35 saves for the win.
Former Rush forward Ben McIntosh had a pair of goals and an assist for Philadelphia. Holden Cattoni led the Wings with three goals and four assists for seven points. Sam LeClair also had a hat-trick. Mitch Jones added two goals and five assists for seven points.
Blaze Riorden and Joe Resetarits each scored once for Philadelphia, which was good on each of its powerplay opportunities, going a perfect 5-for-5 on the night.
Saskatchewan was 2-for-5 with the man-advantage,
The Rush are back in action next weekend with a home-and-home series Friday and Saturday with the Calgary Roughnecks. Game-time is 7 p.m. at SaskTel Centre.
dzary@postmedia.com
