The New Westminster Salmonbellies clinched a spot in the Western Lacrosse Association playoffs.
The Salmonbellies earned the berth, winning their third season series matchup in a row, following a 10-7 victory over the fourth-place Burrards in Maple Ridge on Tuesday.
New West also holds the season series edge over both Coquitlam and Langley, leaving the Burnaby Lakers as the only club able to catch the senior A lacrosse club for second place.
The ’Bellies traded goals with Maple Ridge for the majority of the first frame, before first star Colton Clark tallied back-to-back less than two minutes apart to close the period up 5-3.
The Fishmen continued their momentum into the second period, extending the lead to 9-3 before Maple Ridge mustered a response by former New West junior Connor Goodwin, who finished the night with a game-high four goals and the game’s third star.
In the final period, Clark completed his hat trick, while second star Logan Schuss picked up his fifth point of the evening that included a pair of second-half tallies.
Eric Penney had another solid night in the New West cage, turning aside 39 Maple Ridge shots.
There was no love lost in the contest either, with 169 minutes in penalties whistled up - most of them coming in the final minute of the middle period – when eight fighting majors were dished out along with 10 game misconducts.
With its position in the playoffs secure, the New West club can now set its sights on the first-place Victoria Shamrocks, who visit Queen’s Park Arena on Thursday. Game time is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.
