April 26, 2008

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Saint Joseph's was unable to stop Penn State in the third period on the way to a 10-6 loss in the season finale for the Hawks on Saturday night. Scott Cullinan netted two goals and Steve Varga tallied a goal and an assist.

Penn State overcame a one-goal halftime deficit at 3-2 and scored six straight goals to distance themselves form the Hawks, 8-3. The fourth period was more of Saint Joseph's, who outscored the Nittany Lions 3-2, en route to the final 10-6 score line.

The fourth period goals were tallied by Alex Lopes, Chris O'Neill and Varga. The assists were credited to Sean Evans and Alex Lopes.

The Hawks looked to have the game in hand after giving up two Penn State goals to end the first period. At that time, a Steve O'Brien goal had been the only tally, but the quarter ended 2-1 Penn State.

Scott Cullinan scored back-to-back shots on assists from Varga and older brother Sean Cullinan, at 7:25 and 4:42 remaining in the period. The first goal was a man-up goal after a Penn State penalty.

Erik Hotaling made 15 saves in the loss, while Drew Adams made 12 stops for Penn State.

Earlier in the day, Saint Joseph's was eliminated from postseason contention when Manhattan beat VMI in double-overtime in Riverdale, N.Y. SJU got a win from Siena over The Mount, while a VMI win over Manhattan would've forced draws from a hat due to tie breaker rules to determine the fourth and final MAAC participant in the Men's Lacrosse Tournament. Providence, Canisius, and VMI had already clinched spots.

SJU finished its season 4-11, Penn State improved to 6-7.