PSU ROUTS PITT GREENSBURG 7-2 BEHIND GERTZ'S HAT-TRICK

Sunday, July 22, 2018

PSU would start their CHE title defense against an all to familiar opponent, the University of Pitt Greensburg. During the regular season PSU would defeat UPG in both games played, but as you know anything can happen in the playoffs. With nothing to lose Pitt Greensburg came out strong and pressured the Lions through the first period. Greensburg would tally first giving them a 1-0 lead. Braden Clark would even up the score with a wrap around goal from Corey Gates. With a lackluster first period, it was still to early for panic to set in for the Lions. Sophomore Catcher Cumming gave a very emotional speech between periods, and when the second period started, Catcher backed up his words by going top shelf, assisted by Drew Poleshuk giving PSU a 2-1 lead. Freshmen Max Lesnikov would score the eventual game winner shorthanded and give PSU a 3-1 lead. Brendan Gertz would tally his first of 3 goals giving PSU a 4-1 lead from captain Jon Bilek. With Penn State on the penalty kill once again, Gertz would set up Lesnikov for his second shorthand tally again. Gertz would score his second goal from sophomore Gavin George. Gertz would put the icing on the cake, completing the hat-trick assisted by Lesnikov and Bilek. Jonah Brouse would turn away 17 of 19 shots. Catcher Cumming would take home the teams MVP belt. PSU would defeat Greensburg 7-2 and face off against Case Western in the CHE Championship.