Freshman Josh Conover led the way for Northland on Tuesday
as he netted a hat trick with all three goals coming in the opening frame. It
was senior, midfielder Paul Reece who again sparked the early offense for
Northland as he scored in the second minute off an assist from roommate Luke
Ortler. Pressure from the Pioneers would pay off again just three minutes later
when senior Bryce Pegram converted on a set piece from twenty-five yards, bending the ball
into the side netting. From that point on, Northland had their way, creating
chances and putting the ball in the net. The Pioneers would score five more in the
first half with goals coming from Ben Cummins, Josh Netz, and Conover finishing
his hat trick.
The second half saw some of the Northland youth getting
involved in the attack. Two freshmen from Guam were instrumental in the second,
creating and finishing opportunities, as Miles Herron and Aren Quezada combined
for three goals and three assists. For Quezada, it was his first-ever
collegiate goal. The Pioneers would tally four times in the second half to
complete the 11–0 victory.
The Pioneers outshot the Lions 26–4 and held a 5–2 advantage
in corners. Dave Bartholomew collectd three saves in net for Northland, earning the
shut-out. This drops his “goals against average” to 1.10, which ranks second among
all NCCAA II keepers (second only to Anthony Derosse from Clearwater Christian
College).
The Pioneers improve their record to 12–3, which places them
at #2 in the National Standings and #3 in the National Coaches Poll. Northland
will have another layoff before their next game on Saturday, October 23, when
they take on a strong UW-Superior side.