Sun Devils reach Final Four for the first time in school history
Posted: April 10, 2010 2:23PM; Updated: April 15, 2010 12:51AM
All photo's courtesy of IDI Photography. www.idiphoto.com
San Jose, CA - Brian Ganz has one goal and setup three other in leading
Arizona State to an upset over Michigan State to reach the final four
for the first time in school history.
Michigan State came into
the game expected to win and fresh, Arizona came into the game after a
dogfight against Connecticut. It was anyone's guess as to what would
happen next. Arizona State has been the popular dark horse team all
tournament long, fueled by a 10-1 rout of Rhode Island. Michigan State
was the only team to beat Buffalo in the highly competitive pool A.
Brian
Ganz scored first for the underdog Sun Devils, taking a Will Heinze
pass and burying it in the back of the net for a 1-0 lead. The lead
only last 14 seconds as Justin Sheridan took a Andrew James pass and
beat the ASU goaltender to tie things at 1-1. Aaron Rivkin put Michigan
State in front for the first time shortly later after finishing off a
dish from Mike Rossomondo to stake MSU to a 2-1 lead. Will Heinze
ensured things would go into the intermission tied, beating the MSU
goalie with helpers from Derek Bolls and Brian Ganz.
The second
period was all about Arizona State. They pressed their will against
Michigan State and got two goals as a result. Will Heinze got the first
one on a power play off a Brian Ganz pass to put ASU up 3-2. Alex Dodt
extended the lead to 4-2, with help form Brian Ganz and Derek Bolls.
Arizona State outshot Michigan State 10-3 in the period and built a
15-8 advantage after two periods.
The third period would
ultimtley decide this contest and Michigan State was pressing hard to
tie things up. Michael Fenkill made the first statement of the period,
scoring to cut the ASU lead in half, however, ASU responded just 36
seconds later with Derek Bolls finding the back of the net. The
experience Michigan State squad didn't back down and cut the lead to
5-4 when Evan Pomish scored a power play tally off a Andrew James pass.
From there it was all about holding off the Michigan State
attack and Arizona State was up to the task, reaching the Final Four
for the first time in school history. Arizona State will take on the
winner of Buffalo/Central Florida in the next round.
© 2005 NCRHA, PPS. NCRHA, National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association, the NCRHA logo, NCRHA regional league names and logos, PPS, Power Play Stats, designs, logos and slogans used within or in connection with this site are trademarks, copyrighted designs and other forms of intellectual property of their respective owners and may not be used, in whole or in part, without prior written consent. All Rights Reserved.
Arizona State has been the popular dark horse team all
tournament long, fueled by a 10-1 rout of Rhode Island. Michigan State
was the only team to beat Buffalo in the highly competitive pool A. 
form Brian Ganz and Derek Bolls.
Arizona State outshot Michigan State 10-3 in the period and built a
15-8 advantage after two periods.
Bolls finding the back of the net. The
experience Michigan State squad didn't back down and cut the lead to
5-4 when Evan Pomish scored a power play tally off a Andrew James pass.