By Michael Phillips
It looked like another long day at the office for the Maryland Whipsnakes.
Down 6-0 after the first quarter, lifeless on offense, and searching for answers on defense, the Whipsnakes seemed destined to fall to 0-3 on the young PLL season. But whatever was said in the huddle between quarters—or maybe whatever clicked internally—changed everything.
Because once the lights came on, the Whipsnakes were electric.
Maryland capped a stunning comeback by ending the game on an 8-0 run, flipping a 12-8 deficit into a 16-12 win over the New York Atlas in dramatic fashion. The fourth quarter was a total takeover—offensively, defensively, emotionally—and served as a reminder of the Whipsnakes’ championship pedigree, even if it’s been tested early this season.
TJ Malone: The Spark and the Closer
If the Whipsnakes are going to get back to being contenders, it’ll be because of performances like the one TJ Malone turned in today. The dynamic attacker posted a hat trick and dished out two assists, finishing with a game-high five points. He was involved in nearly every critical offensive sequence of the comeback.
Malone’s combination of speed, shiftiness, and high IQ fueled the Whipsnakes’ momentum swing.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first quarter was, in a word, brutal. Maryland’s offense was disjointed and predictable, generating no rhythm and losing the possession battle. New York capitalized on nearly every mistake, jumping out to a commanding 6-0 lead early in the 2nd quarter with crisp ball movement and opportunistic shooting.
But slowly, Maryland chipped away. The second and third quarters weren’t dominant, but they were competitive. By the time the fourth rolled around, the Whips had belief—and New York had no answers.
Faceoff wins from Nardella, forced turnovers, clean clears, and relentless rides all came together in the final 12 minutes, as Maryland put on a lacrosse clinic and New York unraveled.
A Season-Saving Win?
At 0-2 and staring down 0-3, the Whipsnakes desperately needed a win. And not just any win—a statement win, something to rally the team and remind the league that this franchise still has fight. They got it today.
For a club that prides itself on effort, toughness, and resilience, this comeback may mark a turning point. They weren’t perfect—but when it mattered most, they were dominant.
Up Next
The Whipsnakes will try to ride this momentum into next week’s matchup at home in Baltimore against the Boston Cannons as they look to even their record. If today’s fourth quarter is any indication, the Whips might finally be back on the hunt.
Final Score: Maryland Whipsnakes 16, New York Atlas 12
Key Stats:
- TJ Malone – 3 goals, 2 assists (5 pts)
- 8-0 run to end the game
- Score in early Q2: NY 6, MD 0
Discover more from RIPTIDE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
