Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Bandits will have an opportunity to defend their championship title on Saturday in a single-elimination quarterfinal game at KeyBank Center.
Bandits play-by-play announcer, John Gurtler, explained to WBEN the team has continued to improve since his first season covering them. Despite the game's ever-changing nature, he believes that the Bandits have evolved into a well-oiled machine.
"The game has changed dramatically. A lot of the purists and coaches would say that box lacrosse is the same, but the athleticism now in the game is amazing," Gurtler said in his interview. "The systems that they employ, not only offense, but defense, you're getting some very specialized players, as Buffalo has been blessed with over the years. Especially this year with Dane Smith and Josh Byrne. The entire group of guys have certainly melded into yet another contender going into Saturday's playoff game against Georgia."
Former Buffalo Jill and long-time season ticket holder , Donna Baldassaro, believes that the Bandits are more than capable of bringing home a second championship win.
"Their level of play is just great, and there's no reason we can't take this banner up into the rafters again. They fought last game to get this playoff spot, and they fought hard, and played hard. That was against a pretty much undefeated team, so they can do it," Baldassaro stated.
Faceoff is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU and will be streamed on ESPN+ and TSN+. Radio coverage will be on WGR Sports Radio 550.
