Three Rivers Classic: Robert Morris vs Penn State recap

In the first night of the Three Rivers Classic, the Robert Morris Colonials defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions to move on to the championship game 6-4.

“If you make good decisions, you’re going to play the way you want to play.” said RMU head coach Derek Schooley following the

Heading into the contest, the expectations of each team were high, with two of the best offenses in the nation. It was no doubt that the matchup was destined to be a large goal scoring game.

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Robert Morris headed into the first night of the tournament leading Penn State in their overall series 3-2. The night go off to a quick start with both teams showing off their fast paced offense.

It was Daniel Leavens who struck first for the Colonials, getting them off to an early lead in just the third minute of play. Robert Morris then had a chance to extend their lead off a Brady Ferguson breakaway, but was unable to convert.

From then on, the Nittany Lions went into full attack mode, recording 21 shots in just the first period. Some near goals from Ricky DeRosa and Kenny Brooks, along with some aggressive play by both teams, made tempers start to flare very early, making for some hard hitting hockey in the final two periods.

“The only thing I worry about is 6-4.” Schooley said about the amount of shots by Penn State in the game.

Penn State started off the second period of the Three Rivers Classic with a goal from Eric Scheid, his second of the year. Robert Morris would go on to answer right back however, in just one minute, converting on the power play from captain Tyson Wilson.

The Colonials were out to prove more than their ability to convert on the power play though, and in the seventh minute of the second period got yet another goal, this one even strength. It would make the game 3-1 in the favor of Robert Morris, scored by Spencer Dorowicz and assisted by Brandon Denham.

Later in the contest, both teams would exchange breakaway opportunities twice until Brandon Denham was able to capitalize on the opportunity and make it 4-1 Colonials.The underdog team from Moon Township all of the sudden began making the Happy Valley natives look like fools.

Penn State tried their hardest to mount a comeback in the third period, but a pair of goals by Colonials leaders Lynch and Greg Gibson but the game out of reach.

Terry Shafer was on fire, recording 52 saves on the night, proving his rank as one of the best goalies in college hockey.

“It’s a pretty heated rivalry that’s grown over the years, so to beat them again means a lot.” said Zac Lynch, a Pittsburgh native.

Next: Pitt: 2015 Football Season Fan Poll Awards

The Colonials will battle in UMass Lowell in the championship game of the Three Rivers Classic tomorrow night at Consol Energy Center.

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