It's been an up-and-down season for the Buffalo Bandits in 2015 as they've been hovering around .500 all season, never dipping more than a game below that mark but never going more than a game above either. With Toronto and Rochester locked in at the top 2 spots, the Bandits only needed a win in its final 3 games or a single loss by New England to grab the final playoff spot. After having last weekend off, the worry was that rust could set in and that the Bandits would start their final 3 games poorly. The game started off slowly as the Bandits and Stealth never got more than a few goals away from each other and going into the 4th quarter, the hometown Bandits held a 9-7 lead. Whether it be some change in tactics from head coach Troy Cordingly or just a case where the Bandits got into a groove finally, they started pouring in the goals behind fan favorite Mark Steenhuis and Ryan Benesch, beating the Stealth back to Vancouver with a 17-9 score, locking Buffalo into the 3rd spot in the NLL's Eastern Division.
Stephanie and Abby before the game
Lauren with autographed lacrosse balls for sale!
When I got to the arena I discovered it was lacrosse ball sale day. Every season, the Bandettes sell autographed lacrosse balls to help raise funds for not only their program, but for charity as well. The Bandettes will sell the lacrosse balls in small bags and after purchasing, you can open it and see whose autograph you got. After grabbing a few photos, I got my own ball from Stephanie and Abby, which turned out to have Bandits goalie Anthony Cosmo's signature on it. The girls were pretty busy with sales so I didn't get the chance to visit much though I did talk to Erin and welcome Janelle back, who had, along with Mandy, missed the last game due to a scheduling conflict. Speaking of Erin, the beautiful Bandettes coach is our current Bandette of The Week. The Bandette of The Week feature was, like the Jill of The Week feature, started not only to keep the content of this Blog fresh, but to allow the individuals who make up these squads a chance to shine on their own. As a team, they deservedly get many accolades but each of these young women have put in countless hours of hard work to make the squad and continue to show they belong there. For that, each one of them deserves plenty of recognition and accolades. Knowing that they love these features, and I have often asked for their opinions on them, is the greatest reward for doing them.
Lauren, Syidah, Mandy, and Abby in action
ONE BUFFALO
spelling out Bandits at 1st intermission
Brittany and Chrissy
This season, the Bandits have held a theme night every home game and this week was a Fight Cancer night with a very particular focus. Last season, then-Bandits asst captain Shawn Williams' son Tucker was diagnosed with Stage III Burkitt Lymphoma. He fought it bravely, never losing his smile and positive attitude, until he lost his fight in December. The entire NLL rallied around Tucker and the Williams family last season and the Braver Than Brave Foundation was formed. Shawn and his family were onhand for last night's game and were introduced before the game in a special ceremony. The Bandits wore special jerseys that were designed by Tucker's brother and his best friend and a Shawn delivered a speech via video before the game.
In addition, Tucker's sister Dylana got to sing the Canadian National Anthem and fans were encouraged to bring in posters that were available through social media showing who in their family is fighting or has fought cancer.
Next up, the Bandits travel to Connecticut today to face off against the New England Blackwolves before returning home next Saturday night for the regular season finale against those same opponents. While the standings can't change for the Bandits, win or lose, they hope to keep winning and ride that momentum into the playoffs which start in 2 weeks!
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