The Drexel Dragons (0-3) are still looking for that first win of the season. Yesterday afternoon they fell to cross-town rival Villanova Wildcats (2-1) by a score of 14-11.
The game was initially to be played at 7pm but due to the extreme cold weather, the game was played at 3pm. This time they played a game under a clear blue sky and no snow falling, as it did in their first two games.
‘Nova took an early 3-1 lead eight minutes into the game and seemed to control the pace, but Drexel battled back to tie the game until the Wildcats ended the quarter with a goal in the final thirty seconds to take a 4-3 lead after the first quarter.
The second quarter was all Villanova. ‘Nova outscored the Dragons 3-1 with two goals from (JR-Attack) Johnny Gallaway. Drexel finally scored with 1:36 remaining to trail 7-4 at the half.
The pace of the first half was all ‘Nova, but when looking at the first half stats you would think differently. Drexel out shot ‘Nova 17-15, picked up 19 loose balls to ‘Nova’s 14, and won 8-12 face-offs. But goalie will Gabrielsen(JR.) struggled in the first half only making two saves.
When the teams came out for the second half, the Dragons were breathing fire. Drexel made a change in goal with junior Cal Winkelman replacing Gabrielsen.
Winkelman seemed to spark the team, after ‘Nova scored :51 into the third quarter to extend the lead to 8-4, (So.-A) Robert Frazee scored twice in a span of :16 to cut the lead in half. Frazee would then score his third of the game with :26 to go in the third to tie the game at 10 and have the Drexel fans feeling all warm inside as their Dragoons were breathing fire.
The start of the fourth was close until ‘Nova took a two goal lead with just under 11 minutes to go. The next nine minutes was nothing but strong defense on both ends. Drexel had opportunities to cut into the lead and ‘Nova had chances to extend their lead.
It wasn’t until 12:31 of the fourth quarter when Danny Seibel scored his fourth of the game to give the Wildcats a 13-10 lead. Teams would alternate goals and in the end the Wildcats walked out with a 14-11 victory.
Goals/Assist
Villanova– Danny Seibel–(4G), Johnny Gallaway–(3G), Jack Curran–(3G/1A), Eric Gartner–(2G/1A), Sean Cerrone (2A), Chris Cuccinello (1A), Harry Dellafera (1G), Charlie Horning (1G/1A), Matt McIver (1A).
Drexel– Ryan Belka (1G/5A), Cole Shafer (3G/1A), Robert Frazee (3G), Jules Raucci (1A), Jacob O’Donnell (1G/1A), Joseph Rainoldi (1G), Mason Pynn (2G), Hank Brown (1A).
Next Game: Drexel travels to face Maryland for a 12pm face-off Saturday, the return home for a Tuesday vs St Joe’s at 5pm.
Villanova is home this Saturday for a 12pm face-off with the Delaware Blue Hens. Then March 7 a trip to Franklin Field and the Penn Quakers 1pm.
