Reading, Pa. (January 27, 2007) - Shippensburg University snapped a two game losing streak to Alvernia with a thrilling road win. The Red Raiders managed to best the Vern with two goals in the shootout while Alvernia was stymied by the Ship goaltender in penalty shots, only netting one opportunity. Chris Medico (Madison, NJ/Madison HS) kept Shippensburg honest over three periods and the five minute sudden death OT period, the Crusader keeper only allowed two goals on 35 shots. Unfortunately someone had to take the loss, and the Crusaders weak offensive effort in the penalty shots was the difference.
Ship opened the scoring in the first period to take a quick 1-0 lead. Alvernia’s Ryan Kelly (Ardmore, PA/Lower Merion HS) evened the contest by poking home a loose puck that just barely found its way through the Red Raider cage minder. Kelly’s goal was his team leading 13th tally this season. Shippensburg closed out the first period with a late goal grabbing the first intermission lead.
Alvernia rebounded in the second period with another Ryan Kelly goal. This proved to be the last puck that would cross the line in regulation time. The Crusaders managed some quality scoring chances, Pete Cirard (Levittown, PA/Truman H.S) found the inside of the post, however the puck redirected across the goal crease rather than in the twine. Both teams exchanged high percentage scoring opportunities with no result. Alvernia killed a huge Ship two man advantage, led by center Bruce Hawthorne (Blooming Glen, PA/Penn Ridge HS).
The Crusaders entered overtime with momentum and certainly outplayed the Red Raiders in the OT frame. The Vern found itself on the power play the final two minutes of the overtime period, but could not hammer one home. Alvernia proceeded into the first shoot out in the young program’s history, and disappointingly failed to capitalize on penalty shots. Pete Cirard was the lone goal scorer in the Alvernia shoot out line up. Alvernia’s record falls to 7-4 with a tough Salisbury University squad next on the bill.
Defensive Stalwarts :
Michael Smith (Philadelphia, PA/Roman Catholic HS)
Steve Schlegel (Morrisville, PA/Conwell Egan HS)
Did You Notice:
Defenseman Brent Reed clanked the crossbar on OT Penalty Shot
