Compiled by Craig Potter
Today’s SportsROC Report includes stories including stories on the Rochester Knighthawks re-signing a forward, the Danielle Downey Classic is this week, Jenn Suhr qualifies for her 3rd Olympics, and the WNY Flash sign an International player.
Brad Gilles re-signs with Knighthawks
The Rochester Knighthawks announced on Monday that they have re-signed Brad Gillies to a 4-year deal. The former RIT star returns in 2017 after an impressive rookie season.
“Rochester is a place I want to be in right now,” he said. “I am set on being a Knighthawk for a long time, so I think a 4-year deal solidifies that.”
Gillies appeared in 6 games last season, which included playing in 5 of the team’s last 6 games. He finished the season with 2 goals, 2 assists and 24 loose balls. The Oakville, Ontario native joined the Knighthawks after being selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2016 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft.
“He was great for us down the stretch,” said Knighthawks veteran defenseman Paul Dawson. “He really runs the floor well and adds a great option in transition. He really proved he belongs in this league.”
Prior to making the jump to the NLL, Gillies spent 4 seasons (2012-15) with the RIT Tigers. During his well-decorated collegiate career, he helped the Tigers earn 4 straight Liberty League titles and 4 straight NCAA Division III playoff berths. That included 2 trips to the Final Four and an appearance in the 2013 Championship Game.
As a senior, Gillies garnered Second Team All-Liberty League honors and Honorable Mention Division III All-American accolades. He also received his second straight selection to the Liberty League All-Academic team. In 2015, the team captain finished fifth on the team in scoring with career highs in goals (11), assists (42) and points (53) in 22 games. He ended his tenure with the Tigers with 27 goals, 70 assists and 97 points in 83 games.
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Symtra Tour this week at Brook-Lea CC
The Symetra Tour, Road to the LPGA, returns to action with the 2nd annual Danielle Downey Credit Union Classic at Brook-Lea Country Club from July 14-17. The event marks the 40th year of women’s professional golf in Rochester. First-round play begins on Thursday, July 14 and the 72-hole event concludes on Sunday, July 17.
Play will begin at 7:30 a.m. all four days of the tournament. Players will tee from the first and tenth holes in rounds one and two. There will be a cut to the low 60 and ties following second-round play. Play will begin from the first tee only on Saturday and Sunday. The estimated finishing time on Sunday is 4:30 p.m. and the trophy ceremony will take place on the 18th green after the final putt.
The top 144 aspiring LPGA Tour professionals from the United States and 27 countries around the globe will compete for an increased purse of $200,000. The winner will earn $30,000 and likely move into or close to the top 10 on the Volvik Race for the Card money list. The top 10 on the year-end money list earn LPGA membership for the 2017 season.
The Danielle Downey event started in 2015 to honor the life of Danielle, who was one of the most successful golfers to come out of Rochester. There was a void in Rochester when the LPGA left until local organizers stepped in. In 2015, former NCAA national champion Annie Park posted four rounds in the 60’s (-16) to best former Solheim Cup member Vicky Hurst. Park won $22,500 last year. The total tournament purse is up $50,000 over 2015.
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Suhr qualifies for 3rd Olympics
Jenn Suhr made it look easy on Sunday, qualifying for her third Olympic games with a pole vault of 15 feet, 9 inches.
The reigning gold medal winner and world record holder won the U.S. Track and Field Trials in Eugene, OR.
A Fredonia native, Suhr trains in Churchville. She will be joined on the U.S. team by runner-up Sandi Morris and third-place finisher Alexis Weeks.
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Flash announce signing
The Western New York Flash have signed Belgian national team member Janice Cayman, the team announced today. The deal is pending receipt of her International Transfer Certificate (ITC). As per league and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
A native of Brasschaat, Cayman has been a member of the Belgian national team since 2007, amassing 53 appearances and 13 goals in her time with the Red Flames. She has been playing club soccer with FCF Juvisy of the French First Division since 2012.
Prior to her time with Juvisy, Cayman suited up for Florida State over the course of two seasons. She totaled 47 starts in her two seasons with the Seminoles, scoring 16 goals and adding 11 assists. Cayman helped lead Florida State to its fifth College Cup appearance in school history.
Cayman will be available for selection in the Flash’s match on Saturday against Seattle Reign FC. A live stream of the match will be available at youtube.com/NWSL.
The Flash will return home to Rochester Rhinos Stadium on July 23 when they play host to FC Kansas City at 7 p.m.