Rochester falls 12-10 to the Launch as Penfield’s Kyle Denhoff nets 3 goals.
DELAND, FL. — The Rochester Rattlers dropped their season opener to the Florida Launch, 12-10, on Saturday before 1,764 fans at Spec Martin Stadium.
Rochester held an 8-7 lead entering the fourth quarter.
After edging out the Rattlers in the first quarter by a single goal, the Launch began what would be a continuous battle for dominance moving into the second period. Two goals from Rochester put the visitors ahead by one, but the Launch responded with back-to-back goals that recapture the lead. However, Rochester responded with two unanswered goals that gave the visitors the lead at halftime.
Rochester took a two-point lead on goals from Penfield native Kyle Denhoff and Jordan Wolf. The pair also led the Rattlers with 4 points on 3 goals and 1 assist apiece.
With six minutes left in the game, the Launch responded with four unanswered goals that ultimately led to the Florida victory.
Rounding out the Rochester scoring, Ned Crotty tallied 2 goals and 1 assist as Kip Orban and Jeremy Boltus added one each.
Goalie Kris Alleyne made 15 saves in net for the Rattlers in his rookie debut. Drew Simoneau won 20-of-26 faceoffs and picked up 10 ground balls.
“We made far to many mistakes to win a game in the MLL,” said coach Tim Soudan. “Having a first week bye certainly set us behind against Florida. We are gonna have to play much better next week in order to beat Ohio.”
The Rattlers were missing several of their players who have not finished their indoor National Lacrosse League season.
The Rattlers travel to Columbus on Saturday, May 6 to take on the Ohio Machine. Their home opener is Thursday, May 11 against the Charlotte Hounds at 7:30 pm at Capelli Sport Stadium.