Box Score
Florida Southern used a six-goal first quarter en route to a 12-4 victory over Saint Leo in the Deep South Conference semi-finals Thursday night at Bryant Stadium. With the win, the Moccasins advance to the championship game for the first time in the program’s three-year history.
The Moccasins will face Catawba, which defeated Mars Hill 10-9 in double overtime in the other DSC semifinal, in the championship game Sunday at 1 p.m. at Saint Leo University.
The Moccasins struck first as Ike Hopper’s shot got past the goalie two minutes into the game. A.J. Monteleone scored back-to-back goals to extend the Mocs lead to 3-0. Minutes later Chris Murphy's shot found the back of the cage to give the Mocs a 4-0 lead. The Moccasins added two more goals to take a 6-0 advantage after the first quarter.
The Moccasins' defense continued its strong performance in the second quarter, forcing six turnovers, while goalie Andrew Almansberger had six saves. Offensively, Mat Thompson scored an unassisted goal to put the Mocs ahead 7-0 with 9:41 left in the quarter. Saint Leo got on the board in the final seconds of the half as Rob Van Bomel scored to cut the lead to 7-1.
In the third quarter, Hopper found Corey Brown for a man-up goal, to give the Mocs an 8-1 advantage. The Lions answered with a goal from Van Bomel to pull the Lions within six.
Just over two minutes into the fourth quarter Jon Freda found Kevin Naslonski for a goal. The Lions would score two of the next three goals to cut the lead to 10-4 before the Mocs responded with back-to-back goals from Thompson for the 12-4 final.
Thompson finished the game with three goals, while Hopper, Moneleone, and Shane Tompkins each added two goals and an assist.
Almansberger finished the game with 13 saves and picked up seven ground balls. Spencer Parry, Larry Gress, and Brad Gysin combined for four caused turnovers and four ground balls.
The Moccasins outshot the Lions (37-29) and also had the groundball advantage (31-26).
For more information on the DSC tournament go to www.fscmocs.com or www.deepsouthlax.com.
