Lizards Run by Rattlers to Win Third Straight
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Celebrating his 25th birthday, midfielder Stephen Peyser tied a Major League Lacrosse single-game record by scoring three two-point goals and added an assist as the Long Island Lizards (5-5) won their third straight game, a 15-6 MLL victory over the Rochester Rattlers (2-8) at James M. Shuart Stadium on Thursday evening.

Peyser, who had not scored a two-point goal in his career prior to this year, matched his season two-point goal total by tying the MLL single-game record. He is the seventh player in MLL history to record three two-point goals in a game and the first player to accomplish the feat since Long Island attackman Matt Danowski had three two-point markers against Chicago on July 10, 2010.

Led by a pair of Danowski goals, the Lizards sprinted out to a commanding 9-0 lead in the first 20 minutes of the game. Peyser also had a two-point goal with an assist during the run.

With 2:11 remaining in the first half, the Rattlers ended their scoring drought when rookie attackman Grant Catalino scored on a two-point goal on a power play, trimming the deficit to 9-2.

Trailing by seven points to start the second half, the Rattlers used a pair of goals from midfielder Matt Striebel, including a two-point goal, to narrow the gap to 9-5 with 35 seconds left in the third quarter. But, Peyser used another two-point goal with four seconds left in the period to extend the Lizards' lead to 11-5.

After midfielder Stephen Berger opened the fourth quarter by scoring an unassisted goal, Danowski added his third goal of the game with 7:39 remaining, upping the Lizards' advantage to 13-5.

But, attackman Ned Crotty ended the spurt by scoring an unassisted marker with 6:28 left to cut the margin to 13-6. However, Peyser secured the victory and tied the MLL record with 3:36 remaining when he took a feed from Danowski and fired home a 20-yard shot past rookie goalkeeper John Galloway.

While Peyser led the Lizards with his seven-point effort, Danowski added a "hat trick," including a two-point goal, with an assist as Long Island outshot Rochester by a 57-38 margin. Goalkeeper Drew Adams, the two-time reigning MLL Defensive Player of the Week, made 17 saves while allowing just four goals.

Striebel led the Rattlers in a losing effort with two goals while Crotty added a goal with two assists. Galloway made a season-high 20 saves in the loss, which eliminated the Rattlers from postseason consideration.

After opening the season with a 2-5 record, the Lizards have won three straight games.