Bowling Green, Oh. — It's a great start to the road trip for the Lakers as they pick up their first win of the season on night one in Bowling Green. A late overtime winner by Philip Waugh with seconds left on the clock, would seal a 4-3 victory over the Falcons.
How It Happened
Bowling Green came out of the gate aggressive, they earned a power play inside the first ten minutes of the game, but Owen Say and the defense were able to sustain the attack. The Falcons didn't wait around to redeem themselves, getting on the board in succession as goals came from Brody Waters and Jaden Grant a minute apart, making it 2-0 at the thirteen minute mark. Steven Agriogianis pulled one back for his second on the season, only thirty seconds later with help from Will Margel and Tommy Bannister. Their leading scorer Ryan O'Hara was able to give Bowling Green their two goal advantage before the close, setting the score at 3-1 heading into the second period.
The start of the second period for Mercyhurst looked a lot like how Bowling Green started the game. The Lakers squandered a power play opportunity early on in the period, but were able to capitalize seconds later through Connor Pelc for his first career NCAA goal, bringing them back within one at 2-3. Pelc's first career goal also saw Cameron Ricotta's first career point, with the freshmen getting in on an assist along with Spencer Smith. The two teams would go back and fourth with periods of domination in opposition half to no avail with their shots, sending it to the third period at a one goal game.
It was all grit and heart from Mercyhurst in the third period. Nine minutes in the big equalizer came, this time Tommy Bannister sunk one in the net form long-range for his first on the year; veterans Adrien Bisson and Marko Reifenberger helped supply the goal. The Falcons proceeded to throw everything they had on goal to close out regulation. Big blocks and saves from Owen Say highlighted a resilient end to the third period, setting up already the fourth overtime this season for the Lakers.
Again, Mercyhurst was able to flip the script on Bowling Green as the Lakers were able to press and throw everything they had at goal in overtime. It all seemed to be futile as time wound down, but Philip Waugh was able to play hero again, turning smoothly around the defense before throwing it on goal for the winner. The Lakers finally broke through and sealed a 4-3 final, marking win number one on the campaign.
Highlights
Philip Waugh netted his team leading 4th goal, while Steven Agriogiannis scored his 2nd goal on the year and Tommy Bannister scored his 1st.
Connor Pelc made his mark with his 1st career goal and Cameron Ricotta joined in on an assist for his 1st career point.
Will Margel garnered 2 assists on the night, with Bannister, Spencer Smith, Adrien Bisson, Marko Reifenberger, and Garrett Dahm all had 1.
Owen Say racked up 30 saves on the night on 33 shots faced.
Scoring Summary
P1: 13:27 - Steven Agriogianis from Will Margel and Tommy Bannister
P2: 6:09 - Connor Pelc from Cameron Ricotta and Spencer Smith
P3: 9:10 - Tommy Bannister from Adrien Bisson and Marko Reifenberger
OT: 3:56 - Philip Waugh from Garrett Dahm and Will Margel
Next Up
The Lakers wrap up the series against Bowling Green tomorrow night at 7:07 as they look to go for the sweep. Afterwords, it's a trip to RIT next weekend as they play Friday, November 10th and Saturday, November 11th in Rochester, New York.
