Briana Shymanski/Rocky View Publishing

The Rockyview Silvertips' Bryce Wells passes the ball off to a teammate in a game against the Calgary Shamrocks, June 10. The Shamrocks defeated the Silvertips 11-4.

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Silvertips drop fourth straight game

A lack of scoring and runners plagued the Rockyview Silvertips once again as they lost 11-4 to the Calgary Shamrocks, June 10 at the Pete Knight Arena in Crossfield.

It was the team’s fourth loss in a row, and it’s now 1W-9L on the season.

“The boys played tough lacrosse,” said Assistant Coach Don Bowmen. “We were moving the ball, we were good on loose balls and we played smart lacrosse in their end. We were just outlegged and outnumbered.”

Matt Watson scored for the Silvertips less than three minutes into the game, and the team held a 2-1 lead heading into the second period.

The Shamrocks tied the game only 20 seconds into the second frame and took a 3-2 lead 2:34 later. After Calgary increased its lead to 4-2, Mitchell Quong scored to bring the Silvertips within one, but the last 10 minutes were all Shamrocks, as they scored four unanswered goals to take a 8-3 lead into the third.

Watson scored again for the Silvertips in the third, but the Shamrocks would add three of its own for its third win of the season against the Silvertips.

Fatigue was a factor for the team, as it only had nine runners for the second game in a row, but the Silvertips’ Bryce Wells said that the team is not making excuses.

“We can run a decent game with eight or nine players, so that’s a positive, but we need to work harder on and off the field,” he said.

While a short bench may be physically taxing for some of the players, Wells said he welcomes the extra playing time.

“I think some players take it differently than others,” he said. “I think it’s more of a focus thing. It’s all about the mindset and not about the body. I kind of embrace the opportunity. I like to be out there and if it’s a way to be out there without being selfish, I’ll take it. I’d rather be on the field than off.”

The Silvertips played against the Calgary Jr. Mounties, June 12 at the Pete Knight Arena (results were not available at press time). Wells said the team needs to increase its offence.

“We kind of go with the flow of the game,” he said. “I think we need to focus on the little things a bit more. We need to intimidate the defence. They’re not scared of us, so we need to scare them a bit more by picking a little bit harder and getting around them.”

The Silvertips’ next home game, the fourth of a four-game home stand, will be on June 17 at the Pete Knight Arena in Crossfield. The ‘Tips will take on the NAMLC Crude at 3 p.m.