Archers LC are your PLL Champions
In a nail-biting showdown at Subaru Park, Archers LC emerged triumphant in the 2023 PLL Cash App Championship, securing their first-ever championship win. Tom Schreiber's game-winning shot will be etched in lacrosse history as the defining moment of the match, where the Archers defied the odds and silenced the Waterdogs.
Schreiber's Heroics
The game's momentum had swung heavily in favor of the Waterdogs, backed by an impassioned Philadelphia crowd rallying behind their star player, Michael Sowers. The Archers found themselves in a dire situation, struggling to score a goal in settled offense for nearly 20 minutes of gameplay, while the Waterdogs dominated individual matchups.
But it was Tom Schreiber who changed the narrative. With the shot clock ticking down and the game hanging in the balance, Schreiber faked a shot, drawing Ben Randall out of position, and then unleashed a rocket of a shot off his back foot that eluded Matt DeLuca in goal. This incredible display of skill put the Archers ahead 15-14 with just 1:37 remaining in the fourth quarter, shifting the game's momentum decisively.
A Legacy Solidified
Schreiber's championship-clinching goal not only secured victory for the Archers but also cemented his own legacy in the world of lacrosse. Waterdogs Head Coach and General Manager Andy Copelan acknowledged Schreiber's greatness and emphasized that his legacy had long been established. However, Schreiber's performance in this championship game further elevated his status in the sport.
The Final Moments
Following Schreiber's heroics, the Archers skillfully managed the clock, denying the Waterdogs any opportunity for a comeback. Kieran McArdle's shot went wide in the closing moments, and the Archers regained possession with just 11.7 seconds left. Although Jake Carraway had a chance to secure a game-winning two-pointer, Brett Dobson, the Archers' goalie, deflected the shot wide.
A Long-Awaited Victory
This championship win marks the end of four years of postseason heartache for the Archers Lacrosse Club. The demons that haunted them in previous seasons have been exorcised, and they have finally claimed the coveted championship title.
The Bond Between Schreiber and Bates
Beyond the championship win, the enduring player-coach relationship between Chris Bates and Tom Schreiber played a significant role in the Archers' success. Bates convinced Schreiber to play for him at Princeton over 13 years ago, and now, they share a championship together. The emotional moment when Schreiber doused Bates in Gatorade was a fitting tribute to their long journey together.
Brick Wall Dobson
Brett Dobson, the Archers' goalie, emerged as the unsung hero of the championship game. With 18 saves on 31 shots faced, he outperformed his mentor and friend Dillon Ward, earning the Championship MVP title. Dobson's crucial save in the fourth quarter, when the Waterdogs were staging a comeback, turned the tide in favor of the Archers.
Overcoming Adversity
The Archers had to overcome a series of injuries throughout the season and the championship game. Despite these setbacks, the team rallied together to achieve their ultimate goal. Players like Reid Bowering, Challen Rogers, and Connor Maher stepped up in the face of adversity, contributing to the team's success.
In the end, the Archers LC not only won a championship but also created a legacy that will be cherished forever. The resilience, camaraderie, and outstanding performances throughout the season culminated in a historic championship victory that will be remembered in the annals of lacrosse history.
