FORT MYERS, FL – In a battle between the old guard and the new upstart, two-time defending ACHA Division II champion Florida Gulf Coast completed its weekend sweep of visiting University of Mary with a 3-1 decision, showing the Eagles aren't yet ready to give up their title as tops in the nation.
The Eagles (6-1 overall) defeated the Marauders (14-2) 4-1 on Friday. UMary defeated FGCU 3-1 earlier this season on the Marauders home ice during the Icebreaker tournament. For the first time in the two year old series Florida Gulf Coast has the edge, winning three out of five meetings against UMary's second-year program.
Both teams scored late in the first period with the Marauders striking first. At 15:22 into the game,
Josh Colleaux found the net with assists from
Cyril Nagurski and
Mathew Janke. The Eagles wasted little time pulling even as Mick Panfen scored at 17:48 to send the game into the first intermission deadlocked 1-1.
The Eagles then slowly pulled away, scoring single goals at the midway points of both the second and third periods. Ty Lasker scored for Florida Gulf Coast at 8:11 of the second and Steven Noyes sealed the game at 9:16 of the third.
Lance Knudson made 25 saves in net for the Marauders but suffered only his second loss in two seasons in net for UMary, both coming in the last two games. Jordan Bustad had 31 saves for the Eagles.
The Marauders finished 0-for-4 on the power play while the Eagles failed to score in their one opportunity.
UMary returns home to host Williston State College on Oct. 25. Faceoff is 7 pm at the Schwan Cadillac Rink at the Starion Sports Complex.
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