Jackets Tame Bulldogs to Close Regular Season

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets traveled to Athens to take on the rival University of Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday.  The Jackets came into the game after being named the #1 seed in the East region of the MCLA Invitational and looking to close the regular season undefeated.  The Bulldogs won the opening faceoff and were able to draw a penalty on the Jackets on their first possession, but the Tech defense was up to the task and kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard.  Tech took a few minutes to find their footing before Tyler Seifert opened the scoring on a sweep to the middle of the field that he finished with a high bouncing shot.  Tech scored three goals in the next 90 seconds as Sam Eck scored off an assist from Gabe Banks, Jack Maginnes finished a feed from Devin Raun in transition, and Will Cero scored on a fast break from the ensuing faceoff.  Georgia called a timeout in an attempt to slow the Yellow Jackets' run.  It was to no avail as the Jackets scored again on an extra man opportunity as Pierce Quarles fed Evan Juncal on the crease and Juncal dunked the ball home.  Tech added another first quarter goal when Devin Raun swept to the middle before feeding Gabe Banks who rifled a shot into the top corner.  Zach Schenken scored on a feed from Jack Maginnes as the Jackets made the most of an advantage gained in the sub game. Tech closed the first quarter scoring on a sweep from Raun.  Tech took an 8-0 lead into the second quarter.

 

The Jackets scored early in the second quarter when Sam Eck canned a feed from Jack Maginnes to close out a multiple shot extra man opportunity.  Shortly thereafter Raun scored again, this time pressing the cage in early offense.  The home team got on the board after finding themselves open for a shot on the wing.  Tech responded by adding four more goals to close the first half up 14-1.  

 

The second half was more back and forth, but the Jackets had an answer every time the Bulldogs started to make a run.  The Jackets were able to close out the game with a 20-7 victory.  In the cage, Tech got strong showings from goalies, Rob Kruszeski, Seb Cook, Quinn McGorry, and Jojo Banks.  The defense lead by Mack Poulson, Kevin Lewis, Devan Knapp, and Jack Somers  limited Georgia's quality chances all day.  Cole Christensen and Will Cero both logged their first career goals in the game.

 

The Jackets will now turn  their focus to the MCLA Invitational, which will take place in Round Rock, Texas.  The Jackets will face the Wolverines of Utah Valley University on Wednesday May 12 in a rematch of a game the Wolverines pulled out against Tech in 2020.