Air Force Shuts Down Bryant, 11-6

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. – Air Force outscored Bryant, 11-6, holding the Bulldogs to their lowest scoring output of the season, Saturday afternoon at the Air Force Academy. The Falcons, now on a two-game win streak, improve to 4-2 overall.

Bryant (4-2), came to town on a three-game win streak, boasting the fifth-best goals per game average in the NCAA (15.60). The Falcon defense was up to the task, causing 10 of Bryant's 20 turnovers on the game. The defense was anchored by Chris Bardak who caused two turnovers and scooped up three ground balls. Bardak displayed his utility on both sides of the ball by scoring one goal and assisting in another. Jason Rose had a solid day in cage, making 11 saves while holding the Bulldogs scoreless in the first quarter.

The Air Force offense was led by Ethan Grandolfo who notched his third hat trick of the season before half time. Eight Falcons put up goals; Aidan Tolen scored two while Brandon Dodd, Gavin and Wes Peene, Shad Bruce, Chris Bardak and Braden Gaab notched one apiece. The Falcons were perfect in extra man opportunities (2-2).

AF put up 37 shots to Bryant's 31. Dodd led the squad with seven shots, six of which were on goal. Grandolfo and Caelan Driggs put up six and five shots, respectively. The Falcons were effective at sharing the ball, putting up a season-best eight assists. Dodd and Wes Peene were good for two assists each while Driggs, Grandolfo, Bardak and Josh Yago tallied one each.

The Falcons, struggling at the center dot this season, won eight attempts in 21 tries. Braden Gaab took the lion's share of attempts, winning 6-of-14 attempts. The game was a bit messy with 41 total turnovers on day and four failed clear attempts for both units.

The Bulldogs were led by Aidan Goltz and Kevin Groeninger who scored three and two goals, respectively. Goltz took a game-high 13 shots. Bulldog face off man Jacob Alexander won 11-of-15 attempts and picked up nine ground balls. Bryant goalie Teagan Alexander took his second loss of the season, making 13 saves.

Next up, the Falcons travel to North Carolina to take on ASUN newcomer Queens University and Duke, March 18 and 20, respectively. Action on Saturday will begin at noon ET at Queens Sports Complex in Charlotte, North Carolina. On Monday, the Falcons take on Duke at Koskinen Stadium at 7 p.m. ET.

Footer

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the u.s air force of non-u.s. government sites or the information, products, or services contained therein. Although the u.s. air force may or may not use these sites as additional distribution channels for department of defense information, it does not exercise editorial control over all of the information that you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this website.

Next Event

Team Stats

Ethan Grandolfo

Aidan Tolen

Shad Bruce

Chris Bardak

Players Mentioned

Chris Bardak

Shad Bruce

Brandon Dodd

Caelan Driggs

Braden Gaab

Ethan Grandolfo

Wes Peene

Jason Rose

Aidan Tolen

Josh Yago

Footer