The Kentucky Stickhorses and the Chicago Outlaws met at Freedom Hall in Louisville on Sunday for the first ever meeting between teams from the North American Lacrosse League and the Midwest Indoor Lacrosse Association.

The game would prove to showcase contrasting styles. Unlike the previous Kentucky opponents, the Jersey Jesters, the Chicago Outlaws featured more settled play at both ends. Chicago also brought a more physical, hard-hitting game, led by their team president and captain, defenseman Brendan Gorman. Kentucky continued to showcase their speed and transition-heavy roster with several breakaway opportunities that ended up spelling much of the difference in the game.

Penalties continued to plague the Stickhorses with 13 minutes of penalties in the first quarter. Chicago capitalized with 3 power play goals to take an early lead as the Stickhorses fell behind 3-0 for the second game in a row. But once again Kentucky battled back to tie the game at 3 by the end of the first quarter.

Chicago started to show the effects of the Kentucky defensive pounding in the 2nd quarter, managing only 1 goal out of 9 shots on goaltender Ginny Capicchioni. By staying out of the penalty box in the 2nd quarter, Ketnucky was able to battle to a lead of 7-4 by halftime.

Kentucky expanded their lead to 9-4 by the end of the third quarter as second half goaltender Patrick Crosby posted 10 saves. Chicago managed 3 more goals in the 4th quarter, but Kentucky matched to maintain their 5 goal lead throughout the game. At the final horn, the Kentucky Stickhorse prevailed 12 to 7.

Chicago goaltender Steve Bourget played the entire game in goal for the Outlaws, posting 22 saves on 34 shots. Left-handed forward David Mitchell was the leading scorer of the game with 5 points on 4 goals and 1 assist. Sean Gillies led Chicago in scoring with 4 goals. Kentucky transition player Max Schmidt led all players in retrieved loose balls with 10.

Next game for the Kentucky Stickhorses is Friday, March 2nd at 7pm at Freedom Hall in Louisville.

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