WARRIORS EARN FIRST WIN OF SEASON BEHIND GRITTY PERFORMANCE; SPOGNARDI ACHIEVES SHUTOUT

FRASER, Mich. - The Warriors (1-2-0) got to work on a late Friday night, defeating the Mercyhurst Lakers 3-0. Following a strong first period offensively, the Warriors locked things down on defense, with goalkeeper Nicholas Spognardi earning a 40-save shutout performance. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST PERIOD

• The Warriors were off to the races in the game's opening 20, with Jake Mullins getting his first goal of the season off an assist by Griffin Hernalsteen. The Warriors kept the pressure on the Lakers, with Shaun Zatelli adding another goal for the red and white with six minutes remaining in the first period. The Warriors wouldn't give up an inch on the other side of the ice, with Spognardi adding 13 saves

SECOND PERIOD

• Despite cooling off on the offensive end, the Warriors continued to play hard on the defensive end, with Spognardi adding 15 saves. The Warriors put 10 shots on goal on the other end, but weren't able to get anything to go to grow the lead. However, things remained dead even between the teams in the second

THIRD PERIOD

• The game continued to be a defensive battle between the two teams. Spognardi continued a phenomenal game, recording 12 saves to keep the Warriors ahead despite being out-shot. With just over a minute remaining, the Warriors got a dagger from forward Kyle Banks to seal the Warriors' first home victory since the 2019-20 season

STAT OF THE GAME

Spognardi's shutout is the first of his career and the first shutout by a Warrior goalkeeper since the 2018-19 season. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors will return home on Oct. 11 to face the Cleary Cougars, returning to WHAC play. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Xander Slate - RCU Athletics