Lax Playoffs: Dundalk Beats Millford Mill 5-2

The Dundalk Owls boys lacrosse team won their first playoff game, a 5-2 victory over a scrappy visiting Milford Mill team.

“By no means did we play our best,” Dundalk head coach Ryan Foley told his team after the game. "We have practice tomorrow. Then a game on Saturday at Lansdowne.”

Dundalk took control of the game early when attackman Dan Miller tallied twice in the first quarter. Midfielder Brandon Davis added two of his own in the second period, and Davis also assisted teammate Miguel Martinez in the fourth quarter.

“The first one was just a give and go,” said Davis.

Davis, a senior team leader, like most of his teammates never played lacrosse before the high school level. He found it difficult to master the art of catching and throwing, but in his third season has improved his skills.

“Brandon is one our smartest players,” said Foley. "He is naturally left-handed which allows him to take advantage of some one-on-one situations.”

Milford Mill's Sam Burrel was able to answer with a goal of his own in the second period.

The Owls worked the clock in the third quarter and played ball control offense. Milford Mill perhaps sensing that they were out of the game desperately tried to take the ball back from Dundalk. The last quarter was a war played at midfield, neither team was able to possess the ball long enough mount an offensive attack.

During several ground ball situations, Milford Mill committed four slashing penalties and two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Dundalk committed three penalties of their own in these altercations.

Twice in the last quarter, a visibly upset Isaiah Wilson, the Miller goalie, was caught outside his crease by the Owl attack while trying to personally clear the ball from his defensive zone. The first time Wilson was crushed by Kyle Bosley and Alfred Martinez, turning the ball over to Davis. Miller defenseman Anthony McNiel stood in the net between Davis and the goal, undefended from right in front of the crease. Davis fired a shot into McNiel's leg.

The Millers added a goal in the fourth quarter when midfielder Arron Schell got behind the Dundalk defense and ripped a shot past Owl goalie Corey Marsh, but it was too little too late and the Owls came away with the 5-2 playoff win.

*In other playoff news, the Sparrows Point softball team defeated Joppatowne, 19-2, and will play next at Lansdowne Monday, May 16

* The Patapsco High softball team defeated Towson 16-15. They play Monday, May 16 at C. Milton Wright

* The Patapsco boys lacrosse lost to Towson 15-1