Southern Methodist University Game 3...
Friday, February 20, 2009
Southern Methodist University Mustangs (6) VS. Texas A&M University Aggies (10)
On the rematch from our 1-31-09 single game weekend, both teams were anxious for this series. The Mustangs were looking to reward their (student) fan base, and the Aggies were hoping to utilize two victories to propel their record to a program high of 20 wins in a single season. Arctic Wolf Ice provided the venue for the season ending games for both teams.
A&M struck quickly. At 18:33, on the second shift and the first shot of the game, Assistant Captain Jeff Diltz scored on a single effort to the net.
The Mustangs struggled to find their travel legs, and the Aggies built a 4-0 first period lead on three goals within three minutes. Nathan Banks fed Nick Xenakis for a slap shot through the screen at 11:24. Eleven seconds later, the Aggies capitalized on an ‘owner’s bounce’ as Dustin Roark’s shot was deflected by a SMU defender.
A&M finished the scoring in the period as Xenakis spotted Aubrey Berkowitz through the slot to rip a shot between the goalie’s legs at 9:04.
The Mustangs regrouped during the period break and put points on the board at the 18 minute mark.
A&M answered five minutes later. Berkowitz gained controlled during a scrum in the SMU slot. A quick pass to Captain Phil Lowery to Nick Culliton, and a low slap shot through the constant traffic, 5-1 Aggies.
The Mustangs continued to fight, and at 11:12 and 10:50, alertly caught the Aggies napping and created a two goal game to 5-3.
Twenty eight seconds later, the Aggies responded. Dustin Roark spotted Mark Moreno wide open to the SMU goalie, 6-3.
At 6:18, SMU lights the lamp, 6-4.
With 4:39 remaining, A&M broke the game open with three unanswered goals. On good passing in the SMU zone, Mike Zahner and Xenakis combined to create a score for Berkowitz. With less than a minute remaining, Diltz and John Rortvedt developed a nice break out pattern from their A&M zone. Young finished the play, and sniped a hard wrist shot, high blocker side. In the closing three seconds of the period, Nic Uccello and Mike Zahner fed Xenakis, low off the SMU post, to earn the Aggies a 9-4 lead to start the third period.
SMU again regrouped and scored at 15:45 and 10:25 to whittle the score to 9-6.
The Mustangs continued to press and force the play to the Aggies. However, A&M prevailed to score the final goal of the game. With less than four minutes remaining, Zahner gathered a loose puck from the Mustang slot to bury the final tally, 10-6, Aggies.
To their credit, SMU competed with intensity and determination that be-lied their short bench.
Game Notes:
Minor Penalties: A&M 17 SMU 13
Scoring:
Aggies continue to enjoy a balanced attack.
Xenakis 2 goals, 3 points
Berkowitz 2 goals, 3 points
Diltz 1 goal, 2 points
Zahner 1 goal, 2 points
SMU
Haake 3 goals, 4 points Hat Trick
Next Game:
Saturday, February 21, 2009
SMU vs. A&M
College Station, Texas Arctic Wolf Ice @ 5:45 PM
