A Familiar Face Wins It For Stonehill

A Familiar Face Wins It For Stonehill

 Last season's leading scorer, Matt Curran, scores twice in Stonehill's OT victory.

Boxscore

Bridgewater, Mass. - Two goals from senior Matt Curran (Scarborough, Maine) led to Stonehill's first win for rookie head coach Garry Hebert.  The Skyhawks returned to their championship form of last season with 60-plus minutes of aggressive offense, smothering defense and two timely goals.

The Skyhawks (1-3-1, 0-1 NE-10) have shown rapid improvement in the past two games.  Saturday night they took an undefeated Nichols College team to the limit, losing a 7-5 shoot out on the road.  Tonight against the Fitchburg State Falcons (3-1-1) it was a stellar defense and a familiar face who led the way for the reigning conference champions.

An aggressive attack led to 14 shots on goal for the Stonehill offense in the first period alone.  The two teams exchanged scoreless periods until the third when freshman Chris Riggs got the Falcons on the board.  His goal was assisted by classmates Billy Pescosolido and John Goffredo.

With desperation setting in, Stonehill's character was tested.  Last season's leading scorer, forward Matt Curran rocketed home a marker off a pass from Brendan O'Brien (Braintree, Mass.).  Sophomore Pete Roundy (Simsbury, Conn.) also received an assist on the goal tying goal.

An outstanding overtime effort from the Skyhawks showed that the team was not willing to let another hard earned victory slip through their fingers.  Seconds into the extra frame Roundy sent a potential game winning shot just wide of the net.  With over a minute remaining it was O'Brien to Curran again for a one-timer score.

Fitchburg State's goaltender Devan McConnell registered 31 saves as the Skyhawks outshot the Falcons 32-28.  Freshman Pete Lucchesi (Syracuse, N.Y.) held the previously undefeated Falcons to one goal on 28 shots.

The Skyhawks hope to continue their winning ways next week when they travel to take on Curry College.  Stonehill will return home next Thursday, November 29th, to play Johnson & Wales.  Both games are scheduled for 7:30 PM starts.