ERIE, Pa. - The recent cold weather has not cooled down Gannon's offensive firepower. The Lady Knights scored 11 first-half goals and cruised to an unexpected 16-6 rout of Division I Niagara Monday night at a subfreezing Gannon University Field. The victory moved the squad to 2-0 on its current homestand as both matches were played at night in cold temperatures.

Monday's match originally started slowly as both teams posted a goal in the first 14 minutes. However, when the action picked up --- it really picked up.

Gannon exploded for 10 consecutive goals during a span of 13:32 and raced out to an 11-1 lead, forcing a running clock with 2:17 remaining in the first half. Taryn Millerd (Shortsville, N.Y./Midlakes) and Mary Eshenour (Waterloo, N.Y./Waterloo) scored three times each during the run. Kayla Nelson (Oswego, N.Y./Oswego) had three assists during the decisive blitz.

Niagara finally stopped the run with 44 seconds remaining in the first half and went to the intermission with an 11-2 deficit.

Gannon scored the first two goals of the second half, but the final 30 minutes were played on even terms as the Lady Knights owned a slight 5-4 edge in goals.

Millerd led the offense with a season-high six goals and one assist. Colleen Dixon (Lafayette, N.Y./Lafayette) recorded four scores while Eshenour added three.

Christina Blasi (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton-LaSalle), Antonia Cianfrocco (Chittenango, N.Y./Chittenango), and Sarah Belen (Oak Hill, Va./Oakton) completed the scoring with one goal each. Nelson ran the offense with six assists.

Shauna Hutchinson (Islip Terrace, N.Y./East Islip) recorded seven saves in goal. Gannon out-shot Niagara 33-18 and forced 20 Purple Eagle turnovers.

Gannon, ranked sixth in NCAA Division II, improved to 5-1. Niagara dropped to 2-2. The Purple Eagles' other loss came at Navy. The Lady Knights conclude their three-match homestand Thursday, March 27 against Regis (Colo.) at Gannon University Field. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Box Score

2008-03-25