April 26, 2006

Final Stats

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - A 12-1 run by Canisius (6-7, 5-2) which spanned over three periods proved fatal for the Siena Saints (4-9, 2-5), as they faltered on the road, losing to the Golden Griffins 15-8 Wednesday afternoon at the Demske Sports Complex in Buffalo.

Freshman Matt Girsh led all Saints in scoring with a four-goal effort in the loss, as junior Michael Aylward followed in close pursuit of his teammate with a pair of goals. Junior Matt Donovan and freshman Chris Zarins aided in the scoring with a goal apiece. Girsh's four goals improved his season total to a team-high of 34.

After the Saints took a 3-2 lead at the conclusion of the first period, the Golden Griffins blew the game open with a 12-1 run that was initiated at the 14:43 mark in the second period. Junior Kevin Ross supplied the Griff's firepower, scoring four goals, while teammate Phil Riggi struck twice. The Saints lone goal over the surge of scoring was offered by Aylward, who scored at the 11:07 mark in the second period. Ross led the Griffs in scoring on the day with four goals.

The Saints got back on the board with 9:47 remaining in the fourth period, when Aylward instigated a 3-0 run by Siena that would slice the deficit to eight. Aywlard was complimented in the run by a pair of goals from Girsh at the 9:34 and 7:16 marks, respectively. The run proved to be too little too late for the Saints, as the Golden Griffs laid claim to victory by a seven-goal margin.

In loose ball opportunities, the Saints contested the Griffs, picking up 26 ground balls. By game's end however, Canisius held a slim 31-26 advantage in ground balls. The Saints were also successful in clear opportunities, finishing the game going 14-for-18, while the Griffs went 17-for-23.

Splitting halves in goal for the Saints were freshman Eddie Haase and junior David Jalette, who combined, registered nine saves for Siena. Jalette finished with five saves, while Haase recorded four. For Canisius, senior Tom Kucharczak led the Griffs with eight saves, while freshman Brian Vandenbossche tallied one as he played in the game's final three and a half minutes.

The Saints conclude their regular-season docket on Saturday, as they travel to Staten Island to face Wagner. Game-time is scheduled for 2 p.m.