Box Score BENSENVILLE, Ill. - In a game where neither team could get a cushion, the Davenport University Panthers escaped with a 4-2 victory over the Robert Morris University Eagles in the opening round of ACHA Division I nationals. Neither team gained more than a two-goal lead, and Louie Abounader's goal in the second period proved to be the difference maker.Davenport got the win on the strength of a great game by Cameron Dimmitt, who had one goal and two assists. Dimmitt scored 2:11 into the first period to make the score 1-0. Abounader picked up the assist.The Panthers put up an impenetrable defensive front on the penalty kill, and did not allow Robert Morris to score on any of its three power plays. DU put 30 shots on net during the contest.
Davenport additionally got points from Abounader, who also registered one goal and one assist. Others who scored for the Panthers included Alyx Fonseca and Alex Hulford, who scored one goal each. In addition, DU received assists from Luke McCarthy, Travis White, Everett Thompson, and Aaron Beally, who contributed one each.
The Eagles' offense was clicking better than usual and put 33 shots on goal during the game.
Robert Morris was helped by Dan Doyle, who racked up one goal. Doyle scored 12:00 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Tim Prinz provided the assist. Gavin Burbach also scored for RMU. Other players who recorded assists for Robert Morris were Matt Cessna, Chris Pontello, and Jake Floro, who each chipped in one.
Matt Kaludis made 31 saves for the Panthers on 33 shots. Davenport incurred six minutes in penalty time with three minors. The Eagles' starting goalie, Justin Ball, made 14 saves and finished with the loss before he was taken out in favor of Rob Kennedy, who stopped 12 shots. Robert Morris incurred four minutes in penalty time with two minors.
