We lost to Gettysburg yesterday at Gettysburg, 18-6, on a cold, rainy day.  We looked good in practice on Tuesday, had a good frame of mind going into the game, had our opportunities during the game to make a game of it, but we made too many mistakes.  The score makes the game look like a poor defensive effort, and it was, but the offense was at least as much at fault, especially in the first quarter.  We had 9 unforced errors in the first quarter and also failed to capitalize on some excellent transition opportunities.  At the same time, we gave up a couple of poor goals by not getting back in transition.  So, we were in an early 4-0 hole.  Last year we were down by the same score, but with some experience under our belts, we battled back and won the game.  We fought back and played well in the second quarter, narrowing the score to 7-4 at the half.  We also had a last second goal disallowed (very good call by officials) that would have made the score 7-5.  Nick Bastis was excellent in the comeback effort.  He had been out injured and this was his first action.  Our riding game was also a major reason for our comeback.  Effective riding is a great way to stay in a game if other phases are not going well.

We opened the second half with a great scoring opportunity, but missed the shot on the doorstep, and turned the ball over by going in the crease as well.  Unfortunately, Gettysburg went down and scored and the momentum swing was palpable.  They dominated the third quarter, putting the game out of reach.  The early start by Gettysburg seemed to throw our goalie out of sorts, so we were not making saves, which in turn led to some indecision in our team defense.  There were too many easy goals in the third quarter and we had the “deer in the headlights” look on defense.

We out shot them 10-5 in the fourth, but too little too late.  When all was said and done, Pete Mellen dominated face offs, we rode well and cleared at a higher percentage, they only out shot us 30-26, but their shots were on cage and we did not save them.  Our shots were not on cage, and their goalie only made 6 saves.

We can, and will, play much better.  We start this weekend vs. Conn. College home on Saturday at 2:00.  I am ending quickly as we are heading out for a 2:00 practice!