Dixon totals four points, sets MLL record as Bayhawks beat Machine, 11-7
Goalie Kip Turner and the defense were the story as the Chesapeake Bayhawks escaped with an 11-7 road victory over the Ohio Machine on Saturday night at Selby Stadium. Turner made 16 saves and got great support from his long poles as the Bayhawks held the Machine to two goals in the second half.
Veteran midfielder Kyle Dixon recorded a game-high four points to lead the Bayhawks, who outscored the host Machine 7-3 in the second half to improve to 5-1 on the road this season. Dixon fired in a 2-point goal with just over 2 ½ minutes remaining to set the Major League Lacrosse single-season record in that category with 12.
Attackmen Drew Westervelt and Ben Rubeor totaled three points apiece for Chesapeake (9-2), which became the first team to clinch one of four berths in the Major League Lacrosse playoffs. Midfielders Steven Brooks and Michael Kimmel both contributed a goal and assist for the Bayhawks, who advance to MLL Championship Weekend for the eighth time in franchise history.
“Clinching this early releases some pressure and allows us to spend time working on ourselves down the stretch,” Chesapeake head coach Dave Cottle said. “We couldn’t have played more poorly on offense in the first half, but the defense kept us in the game. We got a great defensive effort and great goaltending tonight.”
Westervelt had a goal and an assist for Chesapeake while midfielder Joe Cummings netted two goals for Ohio in a low-scoring, penalty-marred first half that ended in a 4-4 tie. The Bayhawks committed four penalties, but did not allow an extra man goal in the first half.
“We applaud the defense for a tremendous job tonight. To hold a team to four goals in the first half then shut them out for so long in the second half is outstanding,” Cottle said. “Our long poles were very active knocking the ball to the ground and intercepting passes.”
Rubeor snapped the tie and put Chesapeake ahead for good with a 2-
