The Bakersfield Condors defeated Coachella Valley, 6-1, in the opener of their first-round Pacific Division series at Dignity Health Arena on Thursday night.
The series shifts to Palm Desert for Game 2 on Saturday and Game 3, if necessary, on Sunday.
The win for the Condors snapped a seven-game winning streak after being eliminated from the playoffs in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Captain Seth Griffith two points, too Quinn Hutson, Sam Poulin, James Hamblin again Riley Stillman added one goal. Viljami Marjala, Isaac Howard again Josh Brown each recorded two assists, too Matt Tomkins made 38 saves.
Nelson said drove the Firebirds, who lost for the seventh time in nine meetings with Bakersfield this season.
(Bakersfield leads series, 1-0)
Game 1 – Thursday, April 23 – BAKERSFIELD 6, Coachella Valley 1
Game 2 – Sat., April 25 – Bakersfield at Coachella Valley, 9:00
*Game 3 – Sun., April 26 – Bakersfield at Coachella Valley, 8:00
*if necessary… All times in Mpumalanga
