BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Warner Pacific's playoff run ended in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament with a tough 1-0 loss to Simon Fraser Univeristy.
The teams had traded scoring opportunities in a high-energy first half, with the Clan leading in shots in the opening 45 minutes 4-to-2. Alex Hanne (Calgary, AB) had a pair of scoring chances in the opening half, however the defensive positioning of the Knights negated Simon Fraser’s chances.
The #5 seeded Clan scored in the 68th minute, as Todd Lucyk took a crossing pass and curved a shot past Knight keeper Sean Ervin. Despite a late charge from the Knights, the Clan were able to hold on for the 1-0 lead.
SFU outshot Warner Pacific 9-5, with Alija Sacirovic registering 3 shots for WP. "We played very tough today, and really made them work for it," said Knight head coach Bernie Fagan. "The game could have gone our way with a bit more luck. The guys are sorry to see the season end, but can be proud of what they accomplished."