By James H. Jackson Baltimore Sun Staff Correspondent - 2/2/1987
LANDOVER – The New Jersey Saints streaked to an early lead and never let the Washington Wave get back in the game last night in recording a 19-12 Eagle Pro Box La- crosse League victory at the Capital Centre.
The Saints (3-1), who lost to the Wings, 17-11, Saturday night before 14,189 Philadelphia Spectrum fans, looked none the worse for wear, as they outran, outhit, outshot and completely outplayed the Wave (1-2) before 7.923.
With Vinny Pfeifer and Bill Beroza combining for 45 saves, the Saints shut down the Wave’s high-scoring offense, especially Brad Kotz, who scored only two goals.
“Pfeifer and Beroza were both excellent, but I didn’t think the goaltending was the difference,” said Wave coach Bud Beardmore. “You have to give New Jersey credit. The Saints were scrappy and very aggressive. We just didn’t play up to our capabilities.”
While the Washington attack was struggling, the Saints, who face the Baltimore Thunder next Saturday at the Meadowlands Arena at 8:30 p.m., were humming.
The Saints raced to a 5-1 lead early in the second quarter and opened up an 18-8 bulge midway through the fourth period evoking a chorus of boos from the large crowd.
Bob Piccola scored five goals and Jeff Goldberg added three for the
Saints. Randy Natoli had two goals and three assists, Jim Holihan had two goals and Rich Mullen had two goals and two assists.
The third quarter included a fight between G.P. Lindsay of the Wave and Gregg Fried of the Saints. This precipitated a battle in the stands that required several security men to quell. The combatants in the stands were escorted from the arena and the participants on the field were sent to the penalty box.
