PSU ENDS FIRST SEMESTER ON A HIGH NOTE WITH A 12-1 VICTORY OVER CCAC

Saturday, December 12, 2015

With PSU coming off a loss to George Mason, the Lions needed a statement game to close out the first semester. PSU would end the first semester at home against CCAC. Nico Gricco would get the Lions on the board early with his thirteenth goal of the season from Lassik and Pilla at 2:35 of the first. The Lions would continue to pressure CCAC, but could not get anything past goaltender Cillo-Owen. Sometimes it takes a big play to spark a team, and at 18:26 assistant captain Jeff Hagan (9) would snipe the goaltender top shelf assisted by Selverian. Then in the next forty-nine seconds, PSU would score three more times. Matt Littler (7), would teach Nico Gricco how to dangle, as he turned the defenseman inside out and finishing off the with a nifty move past the goalie. Moments later Nick Tamburi (11) would bury a goal from Littler and Ludwig. Then with a rip from the point, Ludwig (9) would give the Lions a 5-0 lead (Pilla and Lassik). PSU would start the second period where the first left off as Mike Lassik (19) from Danese and Pilla would give PSU a 6-0 lead. Then with his tenth goal of the season, Mike Ludwig would bang home a sweet pass from Littler (Matty Ice) and Rupprecht. CCAC would finally get on the board. Then delivering on a promise, freshman Alex Cassidy would score his first collegiate goal scoring right over the goaltenders shoulder from Nico Gricco. Then with the only penalty of the game, the Lions would make CCAC pay for a two many men penalty. Nick Tamburi (12) would score from Littler and Hagan. Mitch Rupprecht (18) would give the Lions a 10-1 lead from Nick Danese and Littler. Going into the third period, PSU would turn to a dump and chase game. Nine seconds into the period, Alex Cassidy would score his second goal of the game. Then at 13:47 Mitch Rupprecht (19) would score the Lions 12th and final goal. Josh Snyder would turn away 12 of thirteen shots enroute to his 6th win of the season and 3.49 GAA. Jeff Hagan had this to say about today's victory. "This was a huge win for us today to summarize the first half of the season and to set the tone for the second semester." Alex Cassidy would win the final MVP belt of 2015. PSU's leading scorer Nico Gricco (50 points) was asked what makes this team special. "The difference between this year and last years team is depth and dedication. You can put any three lines out there and be comfortable, especially with how young this years team is. Everyone steps up and does their part every game, from grinding in the corners, to scoring and stopping goals. We do everything as one unit and there is not one kid on this years team that is selfish." PSU ends the first semester at 13-3-1. PSU's Captain Mike Ludwig commented on the first half of the season. "With the first semester coming to an end, you can tell that we have a good group of guys here and that we all share one common goal of winning a championship. We have put ourselves in a very good position and are all eager to get back at it during the second semester, and make our run." The Lions are back home January 16th against West Virgina.