TOWSON, Md. - - Junior attackman Delby Powless scored 56 seconds into
the overtime period to give Rutgers University a 10-9 victory over Towson
University Sunday afternoon in Towson Stadium in the season opener for both
teams.
The Scarlet Knights never trailed in the game. After the Tigers knotted
the score at 1-1 Rutgers went on a 5-1 run which helped the Scarlet Knights to
a 6-3 lead at halftime. Powless gave Rutgers a 9-4 lead with 8:20 left in the
third period before a Towson rally resulted in a 9-9 deadlock at the end of
regulation.
Two Ryan Obloj goals within a minute tied the score at 9-9 with 4:22
left in the fourth period. From there the Tigers sprayed six shots at the
Rutgers net with Scarlet Knight freshman goalkeeper Greg Havalchak stopping two
of them and two more hitting the posts. Rutgers got off one shot that was
snuffed by Towson keeper Reed Sothoron with 39 seconds left. Towson's Hunter
Lochte missed wide on a final shot with five seconds left but the Tigers had
forced the overtime.
Rutgers' John Flanagan won the draw to start the overtime. After a
timeout midfielder Ken Springer found Powless in the middle. Powless
underhanded a rocket passed Sothoron from 12 yards out that ended the contest.
Towson did everything to win the game but score more goals. The Tigers
outshot Rutgers 65-28 but Havalchak sparkled in the goal, making 20 saves to
time and again turn back Towson's onslaught.
The Tigers also had overwhelming control at midfield with Ben DeFelice
and Zak Smith combining to win 18 of 22 faceoffs. DeFelice won 15 of his 18
draws.
Powless and Springer paced Rutgers with 3 goals each. Junior attackman
Matthew Apel chipped in one goal and four assists. Towson was led by Obloj with
three goals and two assists. Lochte added three markers and had one assist.
Towson's Sothoron finished the day with 7 saves.
The Tigers are back in action again when they host Sacred Heart next
Saturday in a Colonial Athletic Association contest at 1:00 p.m. in Towson
Stadium. Rutgers hosts Manhattan on Wednesday at 3:00 p.m.
SPECIALTY PROTECTION
WOMEN'S PROTECTIVE
