Six games into the 2012-2013 season, the Ice Knights are still focusing on their strengths and developing their weaknesses, according to head coach Chris Schultz.
This imbalance was evident in a weekend of games against SUNYAC rival SUNY Cortland and national powerhouse SUNY Oswego.
The Ice Knights defeated Cortland on Friday Nov. 2 in an overtime game.
Junior Zachary Vit tallied Geneseo’s first goal in the third period to put the Ice Knights on the scoreboard. First-year David Ripple scored his first career goal halfway through the third period to even the score to 2-2 in regulation time.
Sophomore Jack Caradonna ripped a shot past Cortland junior Lyle Rocker at the buzzer to drive the Knights past the Red Dragons 3-2. Senior Colin de Jersey and Vit received the assists on Caradonna’s goal.
Schultz noted how Caradonna’s skills – specifically his speed and rapid decision-making – could assist in increasing his role in the rink.
The game-winning shot created controversy in the Ira S. Wilson Arena, but after the referees deliberated with goal judge junior lacrosse player Caroline Buonocore, the winning shot stood.
“The game’s quick, things happen fast and that’s why referees have a tough job,” Schultz said after the victory. “I am really eager to see the video, though.”
Senior Adrian Rubeniuk took the win in goal, saving 35 shots in the nearly 65 minutes of play.
The Ice Knights continued the same energy but lacked discipline against No. 2-ranked Oswego on Saturday Nov. 3.
Geneseo couldn’t keep up with Oswego, ultimately falling 10-1 and breaking the four-game unbeaten streak – the longest of a Division III team yet in the current season.
Oswego currently leads the SUNYAC standings, boasting three wins in conference play and four overall.
Geneseo served six penalties, including a major from junior captain Carson Schell at 13 minutes, 55 seconds in the third period after what was a penalty-free second period for Geneseo.
Schultz noted other “selfish penalties – lazy penalties” and said drawing penalties is “really detracting from what we’re trying to do here.”
Geneseo has one week to shape up before facing a pair of nonconference schools, Elmira College and Hobart College, on Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, respectively. Until the matchups, Schultz said he plans on re-establishing discipline among the players.
“We’ll probably do a lot of five-on-five play and make sure we’re [sound on knowing positions] because as soon as you’re out of position, that’s when penalties happen,” Schultz said. “We [have to] focus on what we’re good at and work at what we’re bad at.