Box Score Box Score
SALINE, Mich. – No. 5 Davenport fell 12-9 to top-ranked Grand Valley State in the CCLA Tournament Championship Game on Saturday night. It was a back-and-forth physical game that saw several ties but the Panthers could never take the lead. The Lakers had a one goal lead through three quarters but a quick three goal run to start the fourth put the game out of reach for the Panthers. Davenport will now prepare for the MCLA D2 National Tournament starting on May 17th.
For the second straight day, Davenport fell in a early hole after two goals by Grand Valley in the first five minutes. The game remained scoreless over the next several minutes until Dominic Boggiano (Grand Rapids, Mich.) scored to cut GVSU's lead in half at the 2:03 mark in the first quarter. Shawn Beer (Aurora, Ontario) added a goal for Davenport with 28 second left in the first quarter to tie the game at 2-2 through the first period.
Both teams had runs of three goals in the second quarter. Grand Valley scored the first three of the quarter to take a 5-2 lead with 4:50 remaining in the first half. Dominic Boggiano then scored back-to-back goals to bring Davenport within one. Shawn Beer scored his second goal of the game with two seconds left in the first half to tie the game at 5-5.
The third quarter went back-and-forth with the teams exchanging goals. Goals by Dominic Boggiano and Jordan Richtsmeier (Grand Rapids, Mich.) weren't enough as Grand Valley took a 8-7 lead through three quarters.
Grand Valley scored three more goals to open the fourth quarter and build a 11-7 with 8:31 remaining in the game. At the 5:32 mark, Dominic Boggiano scored to cut the lead to three. Boggiano added another goal with 2:30 remaining to bring Davenport within 2. With about 2 minutes left, Zach Higgins (Courtice, Ontario) made a one-on-one save against Grand Valley's Cameron Holding to keep Davenport within two. Davenport wouldn't be able to get any closer and Grand Valley would add an empty net goal late to take the CCLA Championship 12-9.
Zach Higgins was solid in net holding Grand Valley to 12 goals and making 15 big saves in the loss.
Boggiano led the Panthers with six goals. Richtsmeier led the team with four assists and also added a goal. Shawn Beer recorded two goals and two assists.
Davenport will know concentrate on the MCLA D2 National Tournament in Denver, Col. The tournament will begin on May 17th.
