Nov. 22, 2008
ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Freshman Kyle Wertz scored on a rebound in the sudden-death period to lift Navy to a thrilling 12-11 victory over St Francis (N.Y.) in the CWPA Eastern semifinals on Saturday night. The win moves Navy's record to 19-9 overall, heading into tomorrow's championship game with Princeton.
Wertz's goal ended yet another intense battle between two of the East's top rivals.
"It was just another eventful game between two rivals. It was one of the most entertaining, exciting games I have ever been involved in, which usually happens between these two teams," said Navy head coach Mike Schofield. "I am so proud of our kids for the way they hung in there. It is just a testament to our will. We'll get some rest tonight, regroup and get after it again tomorrow against another pretty good rival."
The game was tied 4-4 after one quarter, but Navy outscored the Terriers, 3-0, in the second quarter to grab a 7-4 halftime advantage. St. Francis rallied, cutting the lead to 9-7 after three quarters, before outscoring the Mids, 3-1, in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime, tied at 10-10.
After one goal each in the overtime session, Wertz's goal won the game in sudden-victory fashion, lifting the Mids to their 17th Eastern Championship game appearance. Navy is 8-8 overall in 16 previous title-game appearances and will be looking for its third title in a row, something not done since Massachusetts accomplished the feat in the mid-90s.
Alex Kofsky led Navy with four goals, while Wertz and Mulvey each had three. Andrew Neuwirth and Kevin Bell each had one goal Mulvey eclipsed the 200-goal mark and 300-point mark in his career, becoming the sixth player in school hiustory to reach those respective marks. Brett Rajchel stopped 13 shots in goal for Navy.
Navy and Princeton will meet for the fourth time this year, with Princeton holding a 2-1 advantage. The Tigers edged Navy in the CWPA Southern Title game two weeks ago, 12-11, at Princeton.
Sunday's championship game will start at 1:30 pm in Annapolis' Lejeune Hall.
# GO NAVY #
