Loyola lost their first game of the year in OT to Virginia, but since then they have been on an absolute tear, winning 11 straight games. It’s Loyola’s first year in the Patriot League, and they’ve already secured the #1 seed and right to host the semifinals and finals for the league this postseason. Their latest W came over first year program Boston University.
The Hounds took a 15-6 win over the Terriers in front of just over 1000 of their home crowd fans, as the game was played a the Ridley Athletic Complex in Baltimore.
Photo Credit: Craig Chase
Loyola built up a 3-1 lead in the first quarter, but then both teams struggled to convert in the second 15 minutes, and Loyola entered the half with a 4-1 lead. Both teams showed more scoring punch in the 3rd quarter as Loyola won the quarter 5-3, to go up 9-4. The Hounds kept the scoring rolling in the 4th, and won the period 6-2, to take the game 15-6.
Nikko Pontrello led Loyola with 3 goals and 2 assists. Kevin Ryan had a big day as well, notching 3 goals and a helper of his own. Justin Ward didn’t convert on any of his 3 shots, but he had 3 assists, and Pat Laconi, Romar Dennis, and Matt Sawyer each had a goal and an assist in the game. Graham Savio picked up a team high 6 GBs, and won 17 of 25 face offs. Jack Runkel made 10 saves in just over 55 minutes of action in net for Loyola. Also, this happened:
Clearly someone on BU was bringing the heat!
BU had six players score goals, and Cal Dearth added an assist for two points.Tyler Zickel had 14 saves in net, and also scooped up a team high 4 GBs. A telling stat for the game was that Loyola led BU in GBs overall, 47-23. Loyola was also a perfect 20-20 on clears. Both teams were 1-2 of extra man chances.
