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Game Summary:

“The book tells the story.”

Looking at the scorebook from Oakland’s 14-11 lost to St. Vincent (PA), anyone could plainly see why the Grizzlies did not win…penalties. The Grizzlie squad tallied a total of 15 penalties (11 personal and 4 techs) in the course of a very hard fought game. But despite the penalties, the Grizzlies nearly pulled off a victory.

Oakland and St Vincent played a relatively even game through the first quarter. Oakland managed its time and waited for its opportunities. Saint Vincent, a D-2 Varsity program from the Pittsburgh, PA area, was very disciplined and skilled in their attacks on Oakland’s goal. Taking advantage of their Extra Man Offensive opportunities, St Vincent scored on several cross-crease feeds. At the end of an exciting first quarter, the score was tied at 4.

The second quarter saw Oakland fall behind by 4 goals as the Grizzlies tallied 5 personal fouls that resulted in three St Vincent goals. Offensively, Oakland’s Joe Opron III would be the only Grizzlie scorer as he racked up two of the three goals he would get for the day. At halftime, St. Vincent had the lead 10-6.

The third quarter saw a different Oakland team. Rested and ready, the Grizzlies came out firing. Lead by Billy Binge and Jayme Brams, the Grizzlies would score three unanswered goals and bring Oakland within one. The highlight of the quarter came at the 2-minute mark when a fake pass by Brams that drew the goaltender completely out of the crease leaving him a wide open shot on goal.

At the start of the fourth quarter, with the score10-9 and the momentum in Oakland’s favor, Oakland’s offense was geared up to make a charge and tie the game. But two quick transition goals by St. Vincent extended the lead to three. But those were quickly countered by two goals from Oakland (Reynolds and Binge) that put Oakland back in the hunt. With the score 12-11, the game would now be decided by who could win the ground balls and control it in their offensive end. Chris Wood, Oakland’s goalie, made several incredible saves but Oakland had trouble clearing the ball and maintaining possession. With 3:54 remaining, a transition goal by St. Vincent put the game out of reach for Oakland

Oakland will now travel to Houston, Texas to participate in the Lone Star Classic. Oakland will play three MDIA games over a three day period. Teams Oakland will play include: Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M. It should be a very challenging weekend and give the Grizzlies an opportunity to see the best of LSA.