ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After a tie game Friday, the Holy Cross Crusaders stole a victory at the Frank Ritter Arena as they scored three goals in the third period on Saturday night to beat Rochester Institute of Technology, 4-2. This was the first time this season the RIT Tigers failed to get a win or tie when leading the game entering the third period.
While Friday night was a highly competitive offensive game, Saturday was more of a defensive battle. On Friday night, both teams put up a combined 80 shots on goal; however, on Saturday night, there were a combined 56 shots on goal.
The Tigers’ Todd Skirving and Greg Noyes had a power-play goal and an assist each on the night, but the offensive action would stop there with a scoreless second and third period for RIT.
The Crusaders’ Adam Schmidt was the X factor, as he scored two goals on the night to lead Holy Cross to a victory and claim his 100th career point after his second goal, which was during a power play in the third period. His teammate, Tommy Dwyer, extended his scoring streak to six consecutive games when he sealed the victory and scored the final goal of the game late in the third period.
Moreover, the Crusaders dominated faceoffs tonight, winning the faceoff battle 41-28. Entering tonight’s game the Crusaders were ranked fifth in the nation and first in the Atlantic Hockey Association with a .542 faceoff win percentage.
“I was disappointed in the outcome tonight, but there were a lot of positives to take away (from tonight’s game),” said RIT coach Wayne Wilson. “We generated a lot of good chances and had several opportunities to take a two-goal lead, but were unable to. Our power-play was great tonight, even when we didn’t score on it, had so many good chances. We have four weekends left in the regular season to continue and get better for the postseason.”
“Last night we played a little bit too wide open and tonight we were able to do a better job defensively, especially in the neutral zone,” said Holy Cross coach Paul Pearl. “We stuck to our plan and eventually you’re going to get one when you do.”
The Holy Cross Crusaders now have a record of 7-16-3 (6-10-3 AHA) as they travel to Sacred Heart on Friday night. The RIT Tigers now have a record of 8-14-4 (7-10-2 AHA) as they continue their homestand with a matchup against Robert Morris University on Friday and Saturday night at the Frank Ritter Arena.
