San Jose, CA -  Eric Jones had 2 goals and 2 assists to lead the Rowan University Profs into the first final four in school history against the winner of the West Chester/Missouri State game.

Brockport came into this Elite 8 meeting with revenge on their minds. Rowan shocked the nation in the previous two meetings between the teams, advancing past undefeated Brockport in the ECRHA Regional semifinals 6-2 and ending Brockports hopes for their first ECRHA Championship. This time, more was on the line, as both teams had national title hopes coming into the game.

Patrick Keyes was the difference early, as Rowan came out flying but were turned away numerous time by the Brockport netminder. Star defenseman Micahel Keating finally broke the scoreless tie beating Keyes off a smooth pass from Eric Jones for a 1-0 lead. Keating had a chance to extend the lead a few mintues later, however, this time it was Keyes who got the better of the Keating.

Brett Balco extended the Rowan lead with just under four minutes remaining in the first period, scoring his first of the game, unassisted. Andrew Amand then put Rowan up by three, scoring of a nice pass from Vince Massamimi. Massamimi's pass eluded the Brockport defender, leaving Amand wide open on the far post for a easy tally. The lead held until the end of the first period, with Rowan holding a 10-5 lead in shots after an impressive start to the game.

When things started to look bleak for Brockport, Andrew Steffan found the back of the net off a feed from Chad Shaw to cut the Rowan lead down to a managable two goals at 3-1. Eric Jones pushed the lead back to three goals, just 2:31 later, finishing off a Andrew Amand pass for a 4-1 lead. Mike Keating and Eric Jones hooked up once again, just over three minutes later with Jones scoring his second straight goal to put Rowan ahead 5-1. Despite only outshooting Brockport 20-15, Rowan, behind the strong goaltending of Phil DaSilva, held a dominating lead at the seond intermission.

Mike Vogel broke a defensive struggle in the third period, with his first goal of the game off a feed from Steve Masocco to cut the lead to three goals. However, Vince Massamimi answered less than a minute later to restore the four goal lead at 6-2.

Rowan held onto to win and advance to the first final four in school history against the winner of the West Chester/Missouri State game. Currently, West Chester leads 4-3 in the third period. A victory would mean a final four rematch of the ECRHA Regional Championship game.


Photos courtesy of Carl and Dan @ IDI