Game Notes

Last Week

The Diplomats have certainly been challenged early in the Centennial Conference schedule. The Diplomats enter their final non-conference game of the season looking to snap a three-game losing streak after losses to No. 7 Dickinson and No. 15 Swarthmore. The nationally-ranked Red Devils and Diplomats were separated by just one goal before the visitors from Carlisle scored eight of the next 10 to take control of the Centennial Conference contest last Wednesday. Six different players scored for the Diplomats as Dickinson finished with a 47-33 advantage in shots as both teams saw their respective goalies make 10 saves.

Against Swarthmore, F&M gave the Garnet all they could as teams were tied at five all midway through the third quarter before the visitors scored five of the last seven goals during their 10-7 victory. The Diplomats finished with a 50-41 advantage in shots and 25-22 edge in shots on goal, but 18 saves from Swarthmore goalie Drew Tyson proved pivotal in turning away the Diplomats. Sage Garito made 12 saves of his own for F&M who also held the advantage in ground balls (38-31) and face off victories (12-9). Dillon Mannix, Kai Kelly, and Kyle Russell each scored two goals for the Diplomats, with Mannix adding one assist for a team-high three points. Adam Soper collected a game-high seven ground balls as he won 12 of the 21 face offs on Saturday. Both Owen Hire and John Bolognesi caused two turnovers to aid the defensive effort.

Last Time vs. Stevenson

During the 2022 season, the then-No. 8 Diplomats picked up their first nationally-ranked win of the year with a thrilling 16-12 victory at No. 16 Stevenson under the lights of the Mustang Classic. Trailing 12-11 entering the final quarter, the Diplomats score five unanswered goals over the final 15 minutes to claim a huge bounce back victory. Kai Kelly and Blake Target both scored twice during the fourth quarter rally. Kelly's final 15 minutes were part of a six-point night (4g, 2a) for the first-year. Will DeMuth also tallied during that fourth quarter run, finishing the night with a pair of goals and assists. The top point producer for F&M on the night was A.J. Rigsby, as he scored three goals and dished out four assists. James Moroney (four goals) was another instrumental part of keeping the attack rolling throughout the contest.

Sage Garito made 13 saves, none bigger than his four during the fourth quarter shutdown of the Stevenson attack. Garito saved 80 percent of the shots he faced during the second half, denying numerous chances from the Mustangs to get back into the contest.

Stevenson Preview

The Mustangs enter the non-conference clash at 4-5 on the year but are receiving votes in the latest USILA national poll as their tough non-conference slate has featured the only losses coming against nationally-ranked opponents while picking up wins against No. 19 Muhlenberg and No. 8 Washington and Lee. The Diplomats and Mustangs also share common victories against both Elizabethtown and Catholic. Grant Zick's 39 points (19g, 20a) currently lead the team, with Max Rachich scoring a team-high 21 goals. The Mustangs have won nearly 56 percent of their face offs. Goalie Justin Scorese has stopped over 45 percent of the shots he has faced this season.

Centennial Conference Leaders from Franklin & Marshall (Top 10)

Points
5. Kai Kelly - 30

Goals
4. Kai Kelly - 24

Assists
6. Liam Timmins - 11

Ground Balls
1. Adam Soper - 70

Face-Off Percentage
4. Adam Soper - 61.5%

Goals Against Average
5. Sage Garito - 10.15

Save Percentage
4. Sage Garito - 54.1%