The Maple Ridge Burrards have deep hole to climb out of after losing 11-7 to the New Westminster Salmonbellies Tuesday night at home, giving the ‘Bellies a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Lacrosse Association semi-final playoff series.
The Burrards hung with the ‘Bellies for the first two periods, scoring first and taking a 2-1 lead into the middle frame. New West outpaced the Burrards 5-3 in the second thanks to a trio of late goals, and Maple Ridge was down by just a goal going into the final period.
The third was all New Westminster, however, as they outscored the Burrards 5-2 to take the game and a convincing series lead.
Curtis Dickson had his strongest game of the playoffs with four goals and one assist, but it would not be enough to ensure a Burrards win.
Derek Lowe had a goal and two assists, while Aaron Pascas and Sam Cook were the other Maple Ridge scorers.
Joel Dalgarno and Randy Daly each had a pair of assists, while Riley Loewen notched a single helper.
The Burrards powerplay was one-for-three, while the Salmonbellies went three-for-five.
Burrards goaltender Drew Dickie allowed 11 goals on 40 shots.
The series returns to Queen’s Park Arena in New Westminster for Game 5 this Thursday night at 7:45 p.m. Game 6, if necessary, will be played at Planet Ice in Maple Ridge this Friday, also at 7:45 p.m.
