The San Diego Growlers (7-1) defeated the Los Angeles Aviators (5-3) 20-18 on Saturday to clinch a playoff spot in the West for the second straight season. The Growlers made the playoffs for the first time last year after finishing 7-7 in the regular season — now with seven wins, they are a lock to finish over .500 for the first time in team history. Saturday's win was their third win in as many games against the Aviators, and the two teams will have their final regular season meeting when the league resumes play post-all-star break on June 15.
The Growlers have been led this year by all-star selections Travis Dunn and Jonathan "Goose" Helton, who have combined for 58 assists, 40 goals, and 12 blocks through the first eight games of the season. Dunn and Helton will face off in the inaugural AUDL All-Star Game this Saturday, June 8 at 7:00pm.