Whipsnakes Clinch Resounding Win Over Chaos

Runaway Start Sets the Tone

Maryland opened the game with a 4‑0 burst and never relinquished the lead, ultimately defeating the Carolina Chaos 17‑10 on Saturday night in Chicago. The victory snapped a two‑game losing streak that began with a defeat to the Denver Outlaws. Coach Jim Stagnitta called the game a “great team effort” and a “much‑needed win” for his squad.

Seven Whipsnakes finished with multiple points, and the team’s shooting success was evident in a 40.7% conversion rate on goal attempts. Goalie Blaze Riorden faced a barrage of accurate shots but held the Chaos at bay. The emphatic margin also highlighted Maryland’s ability to maintain a lead of at least three goals throughout.

Malone’s Outburst Earns Spotlight

T.J. Malone paced the offense with a season‑high six points, his best performance since going scoreless for the first time this professional season. “Coach Stags gave me a lot more confidence,” Malone said, crediting the head coach for helping him turn things around.

Spallina and Aidan Carroll each added four points, while Rob Pannell tallied three, bringing him within three of Paul Rabil’s all‑time professional lacrosse points record. Matt Brandau opened the scoring with a goal, and Carroll later set up Richie Connell’s first career tally, followed quickly by Adam Poitras.

Spallina, Pannell, and Malone combined for 13 points, underscoring the depth of Maryland’s attack. Petey LaSalla added his sixth goal of the year just seconds after Malone’s second, extending his lead among PLL faceoff specialists.

Adjusting the Game Plan

After a subpar second half against the Outlaws, Stagnitta emphasized quicker ball movement and more alley dodges, shifting away from a straightforward east‑west approach. The tactical tweak paid dividends, as the Whipsnakes’s fast‑paced offense confused the Chaos early on.

Spallina praised the “attack right” philosophy, noting the team’s improved shooting and sheer enjoyment on the field. The adjustments also limited Carolina to only one sequence of back‑to‑back goals in the first half, allowing Maryland to close that half with a 5‑1 run and a 11‑4 halftime lead.

Run‑away Fourth Quarter

Eric Spanos and Owen Hiltz cut the deficit to six early in the final period, but Carroll and Connell answered, sealing the win. The Whipsnakes’s ability to sustain their offensive momentum marked a stark contrast to the collapse against the New York Atlas just weeks earlier.

Maryland’s preparation and locker‑room chemistry were highlighted by Stagnitta after the game, who praised the players’ challenge spirit and overall readiness. The victory re‑established the Whipsnakes as a top threat in the Eastern Conference.

Season Outlook

Entering the weekend at 3‑3, the Whipsnakes faced an inflection point. Their emphatic comeback over the Chaos not only halted a mid‑season dip but also demonstrated the roster’s depth and resilience. With a solid home record and a newfound offensive rhythm, Maryland looks to maintain its climb toward the playoff picture.