Category | Sports

Owls sneak by ECU with two more wins

Published on October 6, 2009 by Lucas Bigham

KSU edged out East Carolina University (ECU) at home Friday and Saturday and continued the team’s undefeated start to the season.

After a dominant victory over University of North Carolina last week, the Owls have been looking to take that momentum with them before they travel to St. Louis for the ACHA Division II Showcase.

With a healthy mix of veterans and talented rookies, the squad is confident that this could be their best season yet. However, they’re also aware of the challenging teams they have in front of them.

Both teams met on the ice Friday night and each look to continue their flawless records in front of more than 700 spectators. From the first drop of the puck the Owls seemed in control after their first two goals.

However, ECU didn’t give up that easily. The Pirates slowly fought their way back by tying the game 6-6 and forced overtime. In sudden death, Owl’s rookie Tucker Green scored a breakaway goal on a shift change to give the Owls the victory.

“We’re expecting big things from [Green],” said Bill Morrison, assistant coach for the Owls.

Saturday’s game began with ECU taking the lead early. Near the end of the second period the Owls were down three goals, even though they had nearly doubled ECU in shots on goal.

By the third period, the momentum of the game had turned in the Owls favor. Forwards Jerry Holden and Peter Kencer scored two goals each. Kencer scored the game-winning goal with only a few minutes left in the game. Chris Koutnik upped the final score to 7-5 with seconds left on the scoreboard.

On Oct. 9-11 the Owls will travel to St. Louis to take on rival Miami of Ohio, Illinois State and Missouri. The last time the Owls met Miami of Ohio, they defeated them in overtime to qualify for the ACHA Nationals.

“We’re anxious to play them,” said Morrison. “We’re going to make a run at the nationals.”