Panthers erupt with three third-period goals

            PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Plymouth State University erupted for three third-period goals Tuesday evening to defeat Westfield State University, 4-1, in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) men's ice hockey opener at Hanaway Rink.

            Junior Kyle Greco led the Panthers with a goal and two assists, breaking a 1-1 tie with a power play goal at 9:42 of the third period.  Sophomore Phil Arnone added a goal and an assist and junior Richie Zobak collected two assists and PSU improved to 3-0 on the season.

            The Owls (1-2-1) scored the first goal of the game four minutes into the second period when junior Rory Wilkowich rammed home a centering pass from freshman Peter Ranieri.  PSU tied it with three minutes to go in the second when junior Alex Cottle put home a centering pass from Greco to make it 1-1 entering the third period.

            Greco and Arnone tallied power play scores at 9:42 and 11:06 to give PSU a two-goal advantage, and junior Kyle Weiland finished off the scoring for the Panthers at 15:20.

            PSU finished with a 35-21 advantage in shots on goal.  PSU junior goalie Jack Astedt made 20 saves to post his third win without a loss this season, while sophomore Eddie Davey made 31 saves for the Owls.

            The Panthers are home again on Thursday for a MASCAC game against Framingham State University (6:00 p.m.) Westfield State plays its home opener on Thursday with a MASCAC contest against Worcester State University (7:35 p.m.)    

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