The later the Ladner Pioneers see the Tri-City Bandits in the playoffs the better, making Thursday's home floor date with the North Shore Indians a crucial one.
The Pioneers (4-3-1) currently sit third in the West Coast Senior Lacrosse Association, one point ahead of the Indians (4-3-0).
Ladner will be looking for payback for a 19-12 season-opening loss and, more importantly, creating some breathing room in the league standings.
The Pioneers may only need to reach the league championship series to secure a
President's Cup berth with Tri-Cities hosting this year's tournament. The task could become much easier if they don't see the unbeaten (7-0-0) Bandits sooner than the finals - something that likely would happen should Ladner finish fourth.
After a tough 9-8 loss to second place Nanaimo on May 25, Ladner bounced back last Thursday with a 15-7 win over Royal City. Quinn Waddington and Mike Berekoff led the way with three goals each.
Game time Thursday is 8 p.m. at Sungod Arena.
