Redwoods Overcome Early Deficit to Secure Thrilling Victory Against Waterdogs

Jack Kelly was having a big night during that offensive run on the other end of the field. His play between the pipes led to a 25-minute scoring drought that lasted from the end of the first quarter until late in the third. 

“When you’re in that situation (down 6-0), it takes one play to turn the game around, one check, one loose ball, one goal,” Epple said. “And that’s what happened. We started getting some juice and momentum, and [the game] ended up bouncing our way.”

Kelly finished with a 67.9% save percentage – well over the team’s goal of 50% – and 19 saves, and the Redwoods used that dry spell to mount their comeback. 

“The shots that they were taking were save-able shots, and Jack [Kelly] just absolutely lit it up tonight,” Epple said. “To play defense knowing that guy behind you is almost in all certainty going to stop the ball gives you the ability to play with more freedom.”

Kelly and the defense’s play also seem to feed into other parts of the ‘Woods’ game because also during that time, Ierlan started to heat up at the stripe finishing 11-20 against Reilly (12-22 overall). 

And to secure the win, last week’s hero, Ryder Garnsey, showed he still had another highlight in him when he used a slick toe drag followed by a smooth face-dodge to get by two Waterdogs’ defenders before tying the game at 9.