Johnstown, PA- The D3 Club Hockey team came to the doorstep of getting a bounce back victory over Pitt-Johnstown, but the comeback bid fell short in overtime. RMU lost 5-4 in OT in their first game in action since their first match against UPJ on October 19th. It was not the best result on the scoreboard, but the Colonials come back effort was at least rewarded with a point in the standings. 

The game did start in RMU's favor. Shortly into the 1st period, George Makricostas knocked home a goal to give Robert Morris the early lead. Norman Riffner was credited with the lone assist on the goal. This goal came despite UPJ generating more offensive shot attempts. By game's end including OT, the Colonials were outshot 33-18. However, goaltender Nick Arcaya shut the door on UPJ through the remainder of the 1st period.

It was the middle frame when the offensive opened up for both squads. Pitt-Johnstown tallied two quick goals for take the advantage 2-1. Brandon Luff scored for the Colonials to draw back even, assisted by Riffner and Matthew Simkovic. All three of the goals took place within the first 59 seconds of the period. Over the course of the period, UPJ would add two more goals to their overall total to make it a 4-2 game with less than a minute to go in the second period.

Makricostas got his 2nd of the game just before the intermission to cut the deficit in half. Two and a half minutes into the 3rd, Quinn Gilbert tied the game at four following the feed from Joseph Petti. From there, the Colonials fought to keep UPJ off the scoreboard and were successful in doing so until OT. However, Pitt-Johnstown were able to net the OT winner midway through the overtime period and sealed the game.

The Colonials currently sit at a record of 4-2-1-1. At 4 wins, 2 regulation losses, 1 OT loss, and 1 tie the team is miles ahead of their progress from last season. The team is in action next against IUP on November 8th at 9:10pm at the Island Sport Center. 

Alexander Gagnon '21
Club Sport Information Director