By Mark J. Bartlett

Jan. 6-Despite a spirited effort, the Las Vegas Desert Dogs fell to the Philadelphia Wings 14-9 Friday night at their second-ever home game at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay.

Randall Redmond from Idaho, a long-time college lacrosse fan, made the journey just to attend the game. When asked if he will partake in any of the other activities Vegas has to offer, Randall smiled. “We will see where the weekend takes me. It may take me to a casino or two!”

Vacationer Dorothy Tripp from Maine, who is staying the weekend at Mandalay Bay, happened upon the game upon accident. “We are staying in the hotel, and our concierge provided us free tickets. A lifetime Wells, Maine resident, Tripp added “Lacrosse is big out in New England where we’re from. Me and my husband Harold plan on introducing the game to our first child.”

After opening to a slow start, the Desert Dogs settled in to even the score on two separate occasions, before an early third quarter onslaught by the visiting Philadelphia Wings built an insurmountable lead. Despite a stellar effort by forward Rob Hellyer, who posted a team-high five points (2G, 3A), the expansion Las Vegas squad was held to a single late goal in the fourth quarter.

The Desert Dogs return to action on January 14th, as they take on the Vancouver Warriors for a highly anticipated road game. Tickets are available for purchase at Lasvegasdesertdogs.com