HOLLAND, Mich. – Davenport faced their final non-conference opponent of 2019 and ended that segment of their season on a high note. The Panthers gave Illinois Tech their first loss of the season in dominating fashion. From the opening draw control, Davenport had this game on lock. Davenport sits at 3-2 heading into GLIAC play and riding a two-game win streak.
 
The Basics
Final Score: Davenport University-13 | Illinois Tech-3
Location: Holland, Mich.
Record: DU (3-2) | IIT (0-1)


 
Goals Per Period
First period: DU-10 | IIT-0
Second period: DU-3 | IIT-3

How It Happened
The Panthers came into the game with four games under their belt and the Scarlet Hawks with none. The experience factor came into play as Davenport was firing on all cylinders throughout the first period. Aaliyah Miller got things started for DU with a goal in the fourth minute of play. Her goal ignited a 12-goal streak that Davenport went on before Illinois Tech got on the board. The Panthers outscored IIT 10-0 in the first period, with Ryann Deuel leading the way with six of her seven goals in the period. Taylor Ries and Reilly Noble each assisted on three goals during the period. Davenport continued their momentum into the second period and scored two more goals, making the score 12-0, before Illinois Tech got on the board. The Scarlet Hawks scored a trio of goals down the stretch, but a late goal by Deuel brought the Panthers lead back up to double digits. After the opening onslaught of goals by Davenport, the Scarlet Hawks had no chance of making a comeback.
 
Inside The Box
Deuel (7 G, 5 DC)
Ries (G, 4 A, 4 GB, 2 CT, 0-1 FPS)
Miller (3 G, 2 A, GB, 3 CT)
Noble (3 A, GB, 2 CT)
Brenna Knoll (2 G, A, 2 DC)
Christine Steffes (3 GB, 2 CT)
Jordyn Harrison (2 GB, 2 CT)
Addie Bethune (GB, 2 CT)
Brianna Longnecker (GB, 2 CT)
Makenna Pitchford (30:00 minutes, 0 GA, 4 saves, GB)
Alex Yates (30:00 minutes, 3 GA, 0 saves, GB)
 
Coaches Corner
"Always good to get a win, but we know we are not yet where we need to be to contend for the conference. This OOC schedule tested us and we know what to improve. I was happy to see our defense give such high effort all game, backed by strong goalie play. We are excited to get our conference schedule started." – Head Coach Rob Harris




 
Up Next
The Panthers will start conference play next week. Davenport will play four straight road games before hosting their first GLIAC game on Friday, March 29. The Panthers next contest will be on Friday, March 15 at Northern Michigan University.

Story by: Devin Steiner
 
Picture credit: Andy Visockis