The Bandettes at the Bandits-Swarm Game

After not playing the last 2 weekends, there was a worry of the Bandits looking a little rusty when they returned to action against the visiting Minnesota Swarm. As it turned out, those worries were well-founded as the rust definitely showed early in the game as the Swarm jumped out to a 6-2 lead before the Bandits tied it up before halftime. The teams traded goals throughout the 3rd quarter until the Bandits grabbed their 1st lead of the game with less than 4 minutes remaining in the game. They never relinquished that lead and put in 2 more goals for insurance as they maintained their division lead with a 7-2 record, dropping the Swarm to 2-8.

Danielle

Lauren K

The Bandettes showed no rust from the time off, though a pair of the girls haven't been feeling well and we're hopeful that they'll both return to full health very soon. When I got to the arena, Danielle and Lauren K were on hand greeting fans coming in with programs and souvenirs for sale while the rest of their line was over at Cobblestone selling raffle tickets.

LB, Cheri, and Amanda

Erin, Alicia (2012-13), and Jessica

Captains LB and Kirsten

Danielle, Amanda, Kelsey, Brianna, and Chelsea

When I made it up to the 100 level, LB's line was stationed in the concourse autographing their new posters. The posters have a fresh look to them that you just have to see. Next week, Kirsten's line will be signing them while LB's line will be at Cobblestone for raffle sales.

Stephanie (2012 NLL Girl of The Year) and Kelsey (in the running for this year's award)

While the girls were signing, I got the chance to talk to Kelsey's mother, who's pretty excited that her daughter is currently winning her contest for NLL Girl of The Week. She's also hopeful that everyone will keep voting for Kelsey so she can eventually come home with the NLL Girl of The Year award!

The Bandettes in action during pregame

Cheri, Brianna, Lauren K, Amanda, Mandy, and Kelsey

Janelle, LB, and MaKenzie in the 2nd quarter

Chrissy, LB, and MaKenzie

Danielle smiles big for the camera before the squad heads out to celebrate the big win

Erin and Jessica before the game

Something that fans may have noticed is that Jessica has been on the sidelines, not in uniform, for parts of games this season. Well, the reason for this, as she told me last month, is that she's been transitioning into Jaclyn's role. Jaclyn has stepped away as the coach of the Bandettes and from here on out, Jessica and Erin will be running things. We wish Jaclyn well in her future endeavors while are excited to see what Jessica, who 1st burst onto the scene in 2011, brings to the job.
You can see all the pics at https://buffaloprocheerbuffalobandettes.shutterfly.com/pictures/7331 and don't forget to keep voting for Kelsey at http://www.ilindoor.com/2014/03/04/nll-girl-of-the-week-its-jorina-vs-kelsey/ The contest runs through Tuesday and we'll keep you updated on future rounds.

Kelsey in action

Also, don't forget to check out the photos from the Bandits at http://www.flickr.com/photos/buffalobandits/13022769103/ Next up, the Bandits and Bandettes are back in action next Saturday night as the Colorado Mammoth come to town!