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Loyola Blows By UMBC In A Monsoon

Photo Credit: Craig Chase

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The rain came down all night long, and it came down heavy.

Early on, the Loyola – UMBC game was bringing up memories of Delaware, and for a while, it almost looked like the Greyhounds were about to get Terp’d all over again, but then they Loyola we all know and love emerged, and they ended up spanking the Retrievers 21-9 in absolute downpour conditions.

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Loyola ended up scoring 21 goals on 49 shots.

Justin Ward went off in this game for 7 goals, and he also dropped a hat trick of assists, hitting double digit points to lead all scorers. Nikko Pontrello stepped up in a major way as well notching hat tricks of goals and assists, for six big time points. Mike Sawyer also went 3-1, while the midfield continued to produce, as Chris Layne went 2-1 and Davis Butts went 1-2, both for three points.

The rain really was ridiculous.
The rain really was ridiculous. And Patrick Young loves helmet tilt.
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Runkel got the start and played well…
... but Granito played well again.
… but Granito played well again in limited time.

Jack Runkel got the start after getting pulled against Maryland for Jimmy Joe Granito, and had 7 saves with 8 goals against in just under 52 minutes of play. Jimmy Joe played the last 8 minutes and gave up a goal while making two saves. There might not be a goalie controversy today at Loyola, but there could definitely be one down the line, especially if Runkel struggles again. From limited time this year, one can already tell that Granito (a freshman) is the real deal, and provides a definite spark for Loyola.

UMBC kept coming, but Loyola imposed their well nicely in the 3rd.
UMBC kept coming, but Loyola imposed their well nicely in the 3rd.

Loyola was up 8-6 at the half, and used a huge 9-1 run in the 3rd quarter to pull away from the Retrievers. UMBC was led by Matt Gregoire and Patrick Young, who each registered two goals. David Campbell, Conor Finch, and Nate Lewnes each went 1-1 on the day for two points. Adam Cohen gave up 17 goals while making 6 saves in 45 minutes of play, earning the loss for UMBC.

Scott Ratliff gets into the shooting frenzy.
Scott Ratliff gets into the shooting frenzy.

Loyola dominated the game in shots (46-33), ground balls (49-30), and won 20 of 33 face offs, while also losing 4 of those from pre-whistle violations. Loyola went 2 for 5 on man ups, while UMBC was 0-2. UMBC struggled to clear the ball at times, going 9-14 on the day.

Loyola plays Bellarmine on March 2nd, while UMBC heads to Fairfield to take on the #13 ranked Stags on the same day.