Nov. 2, 2006

Stats

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - No. 6 SIU-Edwardsville (15-3-3) broke open a one-goal game with four second half scores to defeat No. 25 Mercyhurst (17-4), 6-1, in the semifinal at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional.

It was the first loss of the season by more than a single goal for the Lakers and the only time all season that Mercyhurst surrendered more than two goals in a match.

Ross Beveridge scored the game's first goal at 18:29 with an assist from Mike Banner as the top-seeded Cougars jumped ahead 1-0. Dustin Attarian put SIUE up 2-0 just eight minutes later with a goal right in front of net.

The Laker defense accounted for Mercyhurst's only score. Andy Tait scored at 41:49 with an assist from Jeffrey Powell to cut the Cougar lead in half heading into the intermission.

SIU-Edwardsville found the back of the net four times in the final 45 minutes to put the game away. Kevin Bielicki scored at 56:12 to put SIUE ahead 3-1. Beveridge added his second score of the game at 70:28 to build the advantage to 4-1.

Matt Harris added a pair of late goals to seal the win for the Cougars.

SIU-Edwardsville outshot the Lakers 14-5 in the contest and held the four-seed Mercyhurst to just two shots on goal.

Daniel Mudd made one save in net for Mercyhurst.

Greg Crook also made a save in net for the Cougars.

The loss ends Mercyhurst's season. The Lakers tied the school record for wins with 17.