Phalen Nets Hat Trick in Defensive Battle at Capital

Alfred State got a hat trick by Keegan Phalen (East Aurora) but it wasn't enough as Capital University earned a 8-5 win as the Pioneers wrapped up their spring break trip.

Phalen got the Pioneers on the board with just four seconds remaining in the 1st quarter. Capital's Travis Massey tied it up 5:15 into the 2nd quarter.  Neither team could get on the board the rest of the half.

Nick Hess scored at 10:36 of the 3rd quarter to give the Crusaders their first lead.  Michael Maranga (Rockaway/St. Edmund) tied it up seven minutes later after getting a pass from Andrew Delligati (Bedford Hills/Fox Lane).

Capital scored the next four goals of the game and took a 6-2 with 10:41 remaining in the contest.  John Garbowski (Mohegan Lake/Lakeland) and Phalen scored 36 apart to make it 6-4 with 6:02 remaining. 

Brent Walton netted his 3rd of the game and Hess scored a man-up goal with 2:40 remaining to give Capital back their four goal lead.

Phalen scored with just 26 seconds left but the Pioneers couldn't get any closer.

Ryan Amidon (Fayetteville Manlius) made 19 saves in net for the blue & gold while Jordan Adkins made 12.  Capital held a 51 to 23 shot advantage and was 4 for 9 on man-up opportunities.

Alfred State returns to Pioneer Stadium for the first time since Feb. 23rd on Tuesday when they host Houghton College at 4 p.m.