ASHTON, PA – Neumann University jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period and never looked back as it snapped visiting Utica College’s six game unbeaten streak with a convincing 9-0 victory in ECAC West Conference action Friday night. Both teams will turn right back around to wrap up the weekend series at Neumann Saturday night at 7 p.m.
The Pioneers are now 7-2-2 in their last 11 games and their record moved to 8-6-3 overall on the season. Neumann’s record advanced to 9-5-3 overall and 5-2-0 in ECAC West Conference action.
Neumann sophomore Zac Lazzaro (Aston, PA/Kenai River (NAHL)) scored three of the game’s first four goals and finished the night with three goals and one assist to pace the home team. CJ Cruz added two goals, while Doug Rose, Casey Rogers and Nick Perruccio each added one goal and one assist.
Neumann’s Ben Curley stopped 13 shots in his eighth win of the season for the Knights. Utica goalie Dylan Wells (Nashville, TN/Bonnyville (AJHL)) started the game and stopped 12 shots as his record moved to 6-3-2 on the year. Utica freshman goalie Cory Simic (Whitby, Ontario/Smith Falls (CCHL)) stopped 12 shots in the second period and senior Mike Taffe (Moose Lake, MN/Amarillo (NAHL)) came on in net in the third period and made 10 saves for the Pioneers.
Neumann outshot Utica 43-19 on the afternoon.
Neumann took a 3-0 first period lead and added four more goals in a 12 minute stretch to take a commanding 7-0 lead into the second intermission.
The home team then added two more goals in a span of 1:30 midway through the third period to earn the nine goal victory.
Shayne Morrissey finished the evening with two assists for the Knights.
