O’Fallon, Ill-After a tough loss against Alabama, D1 was looking to get back in the win column against the McKendree Bearcats this past weekend.
On Friday, The Redbirds got an early lead on the powerplay with a goal from Tony Campise. Campise’s tally would be the only one scored through the first frame.
After the intermission, Parker Adams scores in the first minute of the period giving the birds a 2-0 lead. Later in the period, Alex Matsas goes unassisted in his first collegiate goal raising the lead to 3. McKendree would strike back but not long after, Campise scores his second of the game, once again on the powerplay, bringing the lead back to 3. The Redbirds didn’t look back as Joey Swiderski joins Matsas with his first goal in the as a Redbird in the closing minutes of the 2nd period. Parker Adams ends the period scoring his second bringing the score to 6-1 heading into the 3rd.
As the game was winding down, the Redbirds seal their victory with a goal from Trevor Hilt. Starting goaltender Mark Imburgia grabs his second win of the season stopping 22 of 23 shots faced.
On Saturday, The Redbirds continued their scoring ways as Joe Rascia grabs his first collegiate goal 2:54 into the 1st period. McKendree would fight back and tie it up only a few minutes later. Trevor Hilt would break the tie and give the Redbirds the lead. 8 seconds later Tony Campise would get on the board making it a 2-goal game. Hilt and Campise would both score another goal before the end of the period and would give a 5-1 lead heading into intermission.
The rookies would continue to shine as Sean Meyer gets his first of his career to start the scoring in the 2nd period. Trevor Hilt would continue his dominant game as he scores two more goals, gaining the hat trick for the night. Heading into the final minutes of the period the powerplay unit would strike again as Joe Rascia lights the lamp for the second time.
Heading into a similar situation as the night prior, the Redbirds score the dagger as Parker Adams scores his third of the weekend. Caleb Sauer would go on to win his first collegiate start and stop 32 of 34 shots faced.
In summary, The Redbirds offense was red hot as they score 17 on the weekend, with 5 coming on the powerplay. The defense and goalies also performed well keeping the Bearcats to only 3 goals over two games. Many rookies notched their first point/win in the weekend and veteran Trevor Hilt having a 9-point weekend (5G and 4A). The Redbirds headed home with two wins in the division.
Title could be: Redbirds Pick Up Two Big Divisional Wins AGainst McKendree