By Edward Carlson
FOR THE INQUIRER
The Wings greeted the Albany Attack, the National Lacrosse League's newest team, with a 12-11 overtime victory in their season opener last night at the First Union Center.
Thirty seconds into the five-minute sudden-death overtime period, Wings attack Matt Ogelsby scooped up the ball and sprinted past several Albany defenders. Rookie Jason Clark, lurking at the top of the crease, caught his pass and snapped a shot past goalie Rob Bladsell for the game-winner - his second goal of the night.
Clark, who also contributed four assists, was named the game's most valuable player.
"We knew to get him the ball in tight. He has a nice touch inside," Wings coach Tony Resch said. "He's capable of scoring one-on-one with the goalie, and Ogelsby made a good play getting the ball to him."
In front of 11,201 fans, the Albany Attack countered the Wings' swifter style with body checks and blocks.
Although the Wings led by 8-6 at halftime, Albany had launched more shots on goal. That momentum continued at the beginning of the third quarter, when Albany forward Josh Sanderson scored his third goal.
While Wings goalie Dallas Eliuk smothered shots with his pads, deflected balls with his chest, and snagged passes with his stick, the Attack swarmed. Forward Ted Dowling netted his second of four goals, tying the score at 9.
The seesaw continued. After goals by Wings forwards John McEvoy, who appeared to float in the air, and Tom Marechek, who finished the night with four goals and two assists, Dowling reciprocated with two more, sending the game into overtime.
"The first game is always a tough one," Resch said. "Last year we struggled and had a tough time in close games. It wasn't a pretty game, but we're certainly glad to get one under our belts."
Wings attack Jake Bergey finished with three goals and two assists.