WASHINGTON, Pa. — Goalkeeper Ethan Zirh helped the Sharks of Long Island University claim their inaugural victory of the season as the Sharks took a 15-9 victory against host Washington & Jefferson College and suffered a 16-8 setback against Gannon University on the final day of the W&J invitational.
In the first match of the day versus Gannon, Zirh stopped 10 shots. The Sharks received scoring from Sam Odenkirk, Riyad Shehadeh,Josep Jodra Muñoz,Karl Lovett and Charlie Downey as the Golden Knights were too much for LIU to overcome early in the season.
In the afternoon contest against the host Presidents, Ben LeClair opened up the scoring prior to Washington & Jefferson executed to attain a 2-1 lead. However, the Sharks went into a scoring frenzy and swished five strikes. Four of those goals were scored by St. Francis Brooklyn transfers Shehadeh and Jodra Muñoz, while Tony Franco posted his first career collegiate goal.
W&J attempted to climb back into the game, but Long Island answered to thwart any chance of a comeback. Downey, Lovett, and Odenkirk combined for four goals to veto the Presidents’ hopes of a rally.
“We were actually able to carry momentum of the lead throughout the entire game,” said head coach Gabby Juarez. “I’m happy with the win, we were to execute and solidify the end result that we wanted. Everybody played today and everybody was able to contribute to the victory.”
The story of the match was Zirh performance between the pipes. Throughout the three previous games the Sydney, Australia native played well, recording a combined 38 saves. Against Washington & Jefferson, the graduate student made 18 saves.
“The energy was great for the game this afternoon and it definitely showed in the pool from the first quarter all the way through the game,” Zirh said. “I’m super happy with the boys to get a win in the last game. Hopefully we’ll carry the momentum heading into next week.”
Release courtesy Long Island University Athletics Communications
