ANNAPOLIS, Md - Defense took center stage in today's contest on a fowl
weather day at Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. In a game plagued by
sloppy fundamentals and numerous turnovers it was quite appropriate that
the heated battle began with an illegal procedure call off the opening face-
off. From there on out Navy's face-off specialist Mikelis Visgauss
dominated the X, going seven for eleven on draws.
Sophomore attackman Austin Winter struck first for the Bison off an assist
from fellow attacker Joe Mele. From eight yards out on the righty wing
Winter dropped his stick low and snapped a beautiful top shelf stunner over
the shoulder of Navy's Goalkeeper Matt Coughlin. Minutes later Navy
responded with a goal of their own as sophomore Joe Lennon fired a shot
past Bison Goalkeeper Nick Sciubba. Off the assist from Tim Paul, Lennon
spotted up from 12 yards out ripping a low off hip shot knotting the score
at one apiece, to put an end to a sluggish first quarter of play.
With both offenses struggling to settle into their groove early in the
second quarter, it was time for someone to step up and make a play. Junior
defensive midfielder Geoff Leone did just that by displaying his Strong
Island athleticism carrying the ball coast to coast setting up his first
collegiate goal. Leone penetrated the offensive zone looking to create, but
instead took it upon himself to finish his 80 yard tear rifling a 15 yard
bullet. His high heat blistered Scuibbia and sent him to the bench for the
remainder of the game. Replacing Scuibbia was Maryland local Matt
Antonelli. Antonelli stood strong as he stepped into a heavy line of fire
registering eleven saves on the day. Navy held onto a slim 2-1 advantage at
the end of the first half.
As the rain picked up the pace of the game slowed down leaving both teams
scoreless in the third period. Bucknell's offense displayed crisp ball
movement but was unable to score due to Navy's unyielding defense lead by
senior Brendan Teague and Junior Andy Tormey. After today's stellar
performance Navy's defense has only relinquished 36 goals in the last eight
games. The best scoring opportunity in the third quarter came from Navy's
Goaltender Matt Coughlin as he lofted a full field shot just wide of the
cage after recognizing Bucknell's ten man ride.
The Bison came out firing on all cylinders to begin the fourth quarter but
Navy's Goaltender Matt Coughlin put up a brick wall. With 10:46 remaining
in the fourth quarter the laundry began to fly leaving Navy two men down
off back to back penalties. The first of two penalties was committed by
sophomore midfielder Mike Beggins for slashing, followed by a one minute
illegal body check committed by senior defensemen Brendan Teague. Bucknell
was able to capitalize off of the two man advantage when Austin Winter
mustered up his second goal on the day. With 10:13 remaining in the fourth
freshmen attackman Ryan Klipstein set up Winter for a 12 yard high to high
heat beating Navy's Matt Coughlin. Winter's goal evened the battle at two
apiece. Shortly there after Goaltender Matt Coughlin left the game with a
mild hamstring strain. Coughlin commented on his injury, adding "My injury
is nothing serious, I just didn't feel I could give 100 percent in the
net."
As Junior Tommy Phelan stepped in cage for the Midshipmen the game began to
heat up as Bucknell knew it was time to take advantage of the sidelined
drenched Goaltender. At the same time junior midfielder Shane Durkin would
not let the loss on the defensive end take the wind out of Navy's sails. It
took until 5:04 left in regulation for Durkin to get Navy back on the board
but he did so with style. Durkin's radar picked up the early slide but as
he turned to resettle he noticed the slide had backed off leaving an open
lane for a quick score. Durkin has long since made the transition from sub
to starter, from fiction to fact as he gave the Midshipmen a one goal lead.
With 2:45 remaining in the fourth quarter and down by one Bucknell called a
timeout to discuss offensive strategy. Out of the timeout Bucknell's
strategy seemed to have payed off as senior midfielder Nick Marks tied the
game unassisted with 2:27 remaining. Marks created space off his dodge
leaving him a clear left handed jump shot finding the back off the net.
Bucknell would gain possession once again with 1:33 remaining in
regulation. The Bison attack ran down the clock leaving only twenty seconds
left as Austin Winter dodged from behind. Winter drew the quick slide and
was stripped by Navy's Brendan Teague. Navy's Geoff Leone scooped up his
fourth ground ball of the day and hauled down field with fourteen seconds
remaining. With single digits on the clock Leone found curling attackman
Greg Clement who fired off a quick shot ricocheting off Antonelli's helmet.
With three seconds left Navy's Bobby Lennon found himself on the receiving
end off the ricochet setting him up with a potential game winning buzzer
beater that sailed high sending the game into overtime.
Navy's Basil Daratsos came out of the huddle firing, creating the first
shot in overtime, but was saved by Antonelli. Antonelli began the clear
with an outlet pass to his nearest defender, but as Navy cut off all outlet
options he was left with no choice but to send the ball deep into the
offensive end overthrowing his attackman before trickling out of bounds.
Navy recovered the Bucknell turnover and went to work on offense. With 1:20
remaining in OT senior attackman Nick Mirabito found a wide open Tim Paul
for the game winner. As Mirabito dodged from behind the cage he skipped a
no look pass through the Bison defense setting up Paul's filthy underhand
riser.
Nick Mirabito has proved he is not just a playground legend as his streak
continues. With today's assist Mirabito has recorded a point (goal/assist)
in 53 out of the past 54 games in which he has played. He is pacing the
team with 30 points on 13 goals and 17 assists. Mirabito added, "I'm not
worried about the streak, all I know is that big time players,
make big time plays, in big time games."
Navy is back in action on Easter Sunday as they travel to Hamilton, New
York to face patriot league foe Colgate. The Bison return to action this
Tuesday as they travel to Baltimore to take on Towson.
