TOWSON, Md. -- Goucher got off two shots in the final :06 -- the first sailed just wide and the second was stopped by Whittier goalkeeper Ben Brown, who made a total of 18 saves today in the Poets' 10-9 victory over the Gophers.

The Gophers (6-3) began the fourth quarter trailing 9-7, but twice were able to make it a one-goal game. Jake Fratella's unassisted goal 5:04 into the period made the score 9-8, but the Poets (5-5) went back up by two 1:19 later on a goal by Daniel McQuade. Kyle Boncaro's unassisted goal with 6:15 showing on the clock reduced Goucher's deficit to 10-9.

The two teams were never separated by more than a goal until Anthony Lackey tallied an unassisted goal with just :20 remaining in the second quarter to put Whittier ahead 7-5 at halftime.

Even though the Gophers outshot the Poets, 12-3, Whittier was still up two goals through the end of three quarters. Brown made nine saves in the period and the goals he gave up to Boncaro and Rory Averett were matched by goals from Sam Russell and Sean McCarroll.

The only multiple-goal scorers for Goucher were Averett with three and Boncaro with two. Boncaro also was awarded a pair of assists.

2009-03-28