KUA comeback falls short in 10-9 loss to Williston

The Wildcats traveled to Williston-Northampton for a midweek game. The home team was coming off a 9-8 win against Taft and was determined to keep their streak alive. Though the Wildcats were sluggish off the bus (and stiff in the cold, wet, and windy early spring conditions) the defense held their opponents to two goals in the first quarter. Goalie Nick Parker recorded three of his game total 11 saves in the opening minutes. D-poles Greg Surgenor, Z Ikeda, and Vasili Katsarakes held their ground and forced off angle outside shots. As time was running out in the first quarter, KUA’s Eric Megnia found the back of the net to pull KUA to within one. Williston added three goals in the second quarter before Megnia netted his second of the day to send the game into the half with Williston ahead 5-2. Williston dominated the third quarter scoring five unanswered goals. But, with just over a minute left in the third, Will Harrigan scored his first of five goals to give the Wildcats a much needed boost as they headed into the 4^th quarter. KUA rattled off the next six goals to bring the game to within one with time still remaining on the clock. Cam Beecy gave the Wildcats crucial possessions on the restarts while long pole Owen Manley forced key turnovers. D-pole Jake Pike picked up two timely ground balls as KUA scrambled for every possible loose ball.  Harrigan added four goals during the run while Mike Lombardi and Gavin Black scored the others. Kenny Speak and Lombardi each assisted on the goals in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, time expired with the score Williston 9-KUA 8. Disappointed but not discouraged, the Wildcats look to get back on track this Saturday on the road at Cushing Academy (5pm start).