The goal of a Minto Cup berth is within grasp of the New Westminster Salmonbellies.
The junior A Salmonbellies can earn a spot in the B.C. Junior Lacrosse League final with a victory over the Langley Thunder (played Tuesday after Record deadlines).
New West took a stranglehold on its best-of-five semifinal series, besting the Langley Thunder 9-5 at the Langley Events Centre last week.
Similar to the Salmonbellies' 12-6 win in Game 1, New West jumped out to an early first-period lead.
Anthony Malcom got things started, scoring his first of two goals, in the opening two minutes of the game.
Eli McLaughlin potted a pair back-toback to close the period with the visitors holding a 4-1 advantage.
New West remained in control despite being outshot 39-24 the rest of way.
Goalie Frank Scigliano came up big in
the win, kicking out 43 Langley shots on goal.
"We played well, our defence played well, and we limited their quality chances," said Salmonbellies' head coach Dan Perreault.
McLaughlin and Quinn Smith led the junior 'Bellies with four points apiece.
The New Westminster defence also held Langley sniper Reegan Comeault scoreless for a second straight game, blanking the talented playmaker in his own barn.
It's all part of the preparation for the post-season, said Perreault.
"That's what it's all about at this time of the season - to play in the Minto Cup and to get there," he said.
If necessary, a Game 4 will be played in Langley on Thursday. A fifth tiebreaker would be settled on Sunday back at Queen's Park at 4 p.m. In the other semifinal series, Coquitlam currently leads that one 2-0, with Game 3 set for Saturday at the Coquitlam Sports Centre, beginning at 3 p.m. If necessary, the series reverts back to Victoria on Sunday.
