SDS416
03-27-2005, 06:45 AM
#4 Cortland held off a furious RIT comeback to defeat the Tigers 12-9 at RIT's Turf Field yesterday. This game was a wild one. It was 1-0 RIT 7 seconds into the game, as they converted a fast break off the opening face off. Cortland answered less than a minute later and it looked as though the score may resemble a track meet instead of a lax game. Both sides settled down a bit after that, with Cortland controlling the majority of the action, grinding out a 5-3 halftime lead. RIT's freshman goaltender put on a clinic in the first half, keeping RIT in the game with some outstanding stops, while the defense seemed to struggle a bit.
Cortland picked up the offense in the second half and really just continued to dominate offensively stretching the lead to 10-4, before RIT staged a furious comeback, scoring 5 of the next 6 goals of the game to make it 11-9 with about 2:30 to go. Cortland gained control after the faceoff at the 2:30 mark (after RIT's 9th goal) and despite unbelievable pressure from the RIT defense was able to grind out an incredible possession that resulted in a EMO opportunity and a goal inside of the last minute to put the game away.
RIT's Thering and Jesien were offensive stars with 3 goals each and their freshman goaltender Brad Conlon clearly were the stars of RIT's team yesterday, with both taking control at their respective ends of the field. Cortland had a very balanced attack and likely missed the offense of attackman Tony Ventiquattro, who missed the game with a concussion. UVA transfer Mike Abbott was impressive for Cortland, who continues its undefeated season.
Next up for Cortland, who will likely move into the #3 spot in the polls (with Middlebury's blowout loss to Gettysburg this past week) is a blockbuster matchup with #2 Nazareth at Naz on Wednesday afternoon at 4pm., while RIT his the road for a E8 conference matchup at Elmira on Wednesday at 4pm.
Cortland picked up the offense in the second half and really just continued to dominate offensively stretching the lead to 10-4, before RIT staged a furious comeback, scoring 5 of the next 6 goals of the game to make it 11-9 with about 2:30 to go. Cortland gained control after the faceoff at the 2:30 mark (after RIT's 9th goal) and despite unbelievable pressure from the RIT defense was able to grind out an incredible possession that resulted in a EMO opportunity and a goal inside of the last minute to put the game away.
RIT's Thering and Jesien were offensive stars with 3 goals each and their freshman goaltender Brad Conlon clearly were the stars of RIT's team yesterday, with both taking control at their respective ends of the field. Cortland had a very balanced attack and likely missed the offense of attackman Tony Ventiquattro, who missed the game with a concussion. UVA transfer Mike Abbott was impressive for Cortland, who continues its undefeated season.
Next up for Cortland, who will likely move into the #3 spot in the polls (with Middlebury's blowout loss to Gettysburg this past week) is a blockbuster matchup with #2 Nazareth at Naz on Wednesday afternoon at 4pm., while RIT his the road for a E8 conference matchup at Elmira on Wednesday at 4pm.