The Midget B Ravens are coming home for the provincial lacrosse finals.
After losing the opening match of the best-of-three semi-finals against Juan de Fuca (JDF), the Ravens went on the road last Sunday and played a must-win game.
The Ravens opened the scoring on Nolan Fair’s blast and then Nolan Morrison gave the squad a 2-0 lead. But JDF responded in the opening period and both teams traded goals with the Ravens leading 4-3 at intermission.
JDF started the second period vigour and tied it up. The teams went to 6-6 before Campbell River cranked up the offence and ran away with a 12-7 victory.
With the series tied, the two sides played the deciding game just two hours later, but it wasn’t close as the Ravens’ offence heated up. Zach Lontayao paced the Ravens with a natural hat-trick as the team went on to a 9-4 victory and a berth in the provincial finals taking place next weekend in Campbell River and Courtenay.
“They qualified for the midget provincial championships the old-fashioned way…they earned it,” said coach Todd Fair. “This really was a tremendous team effort and a credit to every player. We’re excited about our association hosting provincials and look forward to getting some of our players back from the disabled list.”
Provincials
Campbell River Minor lacrosse is hosting the 2014 provincial midget championships at Strathcona Gardens July 23-27. Some games will also be played in Courtenay.
The Midget B Ravens kick off the tournament next Friday, 9:30 a.m., against Burnaby then play Quesnel at 3:30 p.m. The Ravens’ final round-robin game is July 26, 9:30 a.m., against Coquitlam.
The Midget C Ravens start their tournament run in Courtenay on Friday playing Cowichan Valley at 11 a.m. The team returns home that evening to play JDF at 6:30 p.m. and finish the round-robin at home on July 26, with a 2 p.m. game against Cranbrook.
Volunteers are still needed to help with 50/50 draws, raffle table, security, timekeeping and scorekeeping, and more.
For volunteer opportunities, contact Kim Doney at kimdoney@live.com or call 250-203-0798.
