Saints End Crusaders’ Season; Advance to Championship Game
Limestone defeats Belmont Abbey 7-4 in semifinals
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 17, 2009) – In the semifinal matchup of No. 1 Limestone College and No. 4 Belmont Abbey College the higher seed prevailed, winning 7-4, to advance to the Conference Carolinas Championship on Sunday, April 19.
Limestone (8-3) was led by Mike Poerstel and Thomas Langan, each continued two goals. Brendan Storrier scored one and provided one assist. Goalie James Tuohy made 18 saves and earns the win.
Belmont Abbey’s (6-6) offensive charge was led by Jedd Gardner with two goals and Dave DiLuigi totaled three points, one goal and two assists. Tony Kikola played all 60 minutes between the pipes, facing 16 shots on goal and making nine saves.
The game was evenly matched with The Abbey leading in shots, 33-32, and ground balls, 44-39. On face-offs the Crusaders held a large advantage, winning 10 of 15.
Though the No. 4 seed held the advantage on paper, the No. 1 Saints managed to lead on the scoreboard.
Both team notched two in the first quarter. The Saints struck first, scoring two between 13:30 and 10:20. Langan and Poerstel put them away from Limestone, but the Crusaders answered back. Gardner cut the lead to one at 9:29 and Doug Lipka evened the score with under five to play.
The second quarter was scoreless until the last 32 seconds. Langan scored his second of the game to put Limestone back on top 3-2. Storrier added one with just one second left in the half to give Limestone a two-goal edge heading into the break.
Limestone notched two in the first four minutes of the third stanza to take the 6-2 lead. DiLuigi cut the lead in half for the Abbey with 8:07. The goal wasn’t enough to spark a comeback for the 2008 defending Conference Carolinas Tournament Champions. Both teams notched one more in the third in what would be the last goals for each team.
Even though shots were at a game-high nine for the fourth period for Belmont Abbey, they weren’t able to put one past Tuohy. The Saints registered six shots in the last 15 and also couldn’t add more to the total.
