The Cowichan Rats may have rung up a 4-0 record thus far in the Vancouver Island Lacrosse League season, but their biggest test by far came at the hands of the Saanich Express, who are scheduled to visit the Cowichan Arena this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Rats have outscored their opponents 48-13, including a 16-0 shutout of the Westshore Aces in their latest on May 14. They needed an extra push, however, to beat the Express in their first meeting of the season, winning 8-6 on a pair of late goals in Esquimalt on May 10.
Newcomers to the senior C lacrosse circuit, the Express have gotten off to a fast start with five wins in their first six games.
Tyson Black leads the Rats in scoring with 10 goals and 17 points in four games. Brayden Zunti sits second on the team with 12 points, followed by Josh Hayton with 11 points and Dylan Dewarle and Michael Shepherd with 10 apiece. Ryan Brabander leads all VILL goalies with a 3.25 goals-against average and .882 save percentage.
Following this Saturday’s game against the Express, the Rats have a busy schedule as they play host to the Victoria Blazers next Wednesday (June 1) at 7:30 p.m., visit the Victoria Jokers at Archie Browning Arena on Thursday, then play host to the Jokers on Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m.