IMMACULATA, Pa.- Jason Smaron's goal with just 9.6 seconds remaining capped a thrilling finish, as the Immaculata Mighty Macs earned a 7–6 victory over the Saint Vincent Bearcats Saturday afternoon at Draper Walsh Stadium.
Ryan Gorman and Smaron each registered a goal and two assists to lead the Immaculata offense.
Nick Senatore scored two goals, while
Aaron Headley,
Matt Frame, and
Jude Azzarano each added a goal for the Mighty Macs.
Matthew Ludlow anchored the defense with 18 saves and six ground balls.
Seth Panowitz collected six ground balls and three caused turnovers, while
Daniel Alvarez added three ground balls and three caused turnovers in a strong defensive effort.
With the win, Immaculata improves to 1-1 overall, while Saint Vincent falls to 2-1 (2-0 Presidents' Athletic Conference).
The victory also marked the first collegiate head coaching win for Head Coach
Kent Snoddy.
.
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST SAINT ELIZABETH
- Immaculata controlled the early tempo, winning the opening faceoff and applying consistent offensive pressure. The Mighty Macs broke through at 1:54 when Matt Frame scored to give Immaculata a 1–0 lead. Ludlow made several key saves as Immaculata carried the 1–0 advantage into the second quarter.
- Saint Vincent scored three early goals in the second quarter to take a 3–1 lead. Immaculata answered with goals from Aaron Headley (assisted by Smaron) and Nick Senatore to tie the game at 3–3. The Bearcats added a late goal to take a 4–3 edge into halftime.
- Immaculata flipped the momentum in the third quarter. Jude Azzarano tied the game at 4–4 at the 7:49 mark, and just 45 seconds later Senatore netted his second goal of the afternoon to give the Mighty Macs a 5–4 lead. Saint Vincent responded late to even the score at 5–5 heading into the fourth.
- Ryan Gorman converted a man-up opportunity (assist: Smaron) at 13:45 to put Immaculata ahead 6–5. Saint Vincent tied the game at 6–6 with 9:26 remaining. Ludlow delivered a critical save with 40 seconds left to keep the game even. After a timeout, Gorman circled the cage and found Smaron for the game-winning goal with 9.6 seconds remaining. Brian Fuchs secured the ensuing faceoff to seal the victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Aaron Headley and Nick Senatore scored their first collegiate goals.
- Shots: Immaculata 38, Saint Vincent 43
- Shots on Goal: Immaculata 26, Saint Vincent 24
- Ground Balls: Immaculata 36, Saint Vincent 34
- Caused Turnovers: Immaculata 16, Saint Vincent 12
- Extra-Man: Immaculata 1-for-2, Saint Vincent 0-for-6
UP NEXT
Immaculata returns to action at Draper Walsh Stadium on Wednesday, February 25, when the Mighty Macs host Alvernia University at 4 p.m.
