Saskatchewan Rush lose 13-11 to Vancouver, fans welcome 'great atmosphere'

Despite losing their first home game in Saskatoon, the Saskatchewan Rush made it a tight one, losing 13-11to the Vancouver Stealth on Friday night at the SaskTel Centre.

More than 9,000 fans filled the arena for the home opener, after thedefending National Lacrosse League champions opened their season twoweeks ago in Calgary with a win.

The Rush ended the first 15-minute quarter trailing Vancouver 5-2.

But they seemed to find the momentum they needed over the second and third quarters. By the end of the third, the Rush were up 11-9.

The fourth quarter proved to be the team's downfall:they had nothing for Vancouver's four unanswered goals, and ended up losing 13-11.

Both teams now have 1-1 records. The Rush's next game is at homeagainst the Colorado Mammothon Jan. 29.

Despite the night's loss, fans at the game were excited to get out and see the province's newest professional team in action.

DallasSiemens, from Saskatoon, said the entire game had "a great atmposhere."

"It'shonestly, one of the best environments I've ever been in," Siemens said."Everyone's into it, and they're welcoming lacrosse to Saskatoon."

The Rush moved from Edmonton to Saskatoonover the summer.