WASHINGTON, Pa. - On Wednesday, the Cougars (6-2 Overall, 1-0 PAC) took on their first PAC opponent in the W&J Presidents (3-6 Overall, 1-1 PAC). The Cougars wasted no time getting on the board and ran away with the conference opener winning by a final score of 28-2, aided by a 14 goal second quarter.


The Cougars got the game started with a Thomas Whitaker goal, his 27th of the season assisted by Devin Traister. Whitaker scored his second goal of the game just over a minute later, this time assisted by Brady Rigdon. Adam Rinker scored the next goal, his 7th of the season, assisted by Brady Rigdon on the man advantage. Brady Rigdon became the first Cougar to record three points in the game by scoring his second goal of the season, assisted by Broden Zumbano. Thomas Whitaker completed his first quarter hat trick, his 29th goal of the season, assisted by Jesse Corser-James. That gave the Cougars a 5-0 lead after the first quarter.


The Cougars continued their scoring with an explosive second quarter when Sean Creeden scored his first goal of the game, his 9th goal of the season, unassisted. He was followed shortly thereafter by Luke Iovino with an unassisted goal of his own. Brady Rigdon then scored his second goal of the game assisted by Jacob Lubawy giving the Cougars a 9-0 lead before the Presidents finally got on the board. Michael Flynn kept the scoring going for the Cougars getting the goal back with his second goal of the season. Whitaker found the back of the net for his 30th goal of the season assisted by Brady Rigdon putting the Cougars ahead by double digits. Jesse Corser-James then recorded his second goal of the game unassisted. Tyler Lauglin and Cody Randal both scored unassisted goals before Whitaker scored his fifth goal of the day assisted by Jackson Adkins. Steven Clinkscales then scored his first goal of the season assisted by Broden Zumbano. Adam Rinker followed that with his second goal of the day. Colby Wagner then scored his first goal of the day assisted by Tyler Laughlin. Laughlin then finished the second quarter with an unassisted goal to put the Cougars ahead by a score of 19-1.


The third quarter started when Devin Traister scored his first goal of the game. Wagner added his second goal of the day assisted by Cody Randal. The Presidents then scored their second goal of the game cutting the lead to just 19. The Cougars got that goal back when J.R. DuBose scored his first goal of the day assisted by Tyler Laughlin. Timothy Mackay then scored his first career goal unassisted. J.R. DuBose then scored his second goal of the day, assisted by Steven Clinkscales to end the third quarter with the Cougars holding a commanding 24-2 lead.


Clickscales followed his assist to end the third quarter with his second goal of the day to start the fourth quarter, assisted by Tyler Laughlin. Clinkscales then completed his first career hat trick in his first career game, scoring unassisted. Colby Wagner then also completed his hat trick with an unassisted goal. J.R. DuBose followed suit, completing his hat trick assisted by Steven Clinkscales to score the final goal of the game giving the Cougars a 28-2 lead.


The Cougars had four players to record at least five points led by Thomas Whitakers six goals. Brady Rigdon and Tyler Laughlin each recorded two goals and three assists while Steven Clinkscales recorded three goals and two assists in his first collegiate action. Cody Randal recorded a game high 17 ground balls while going 23 for 27 on face offs as the Cougars went 29 for 33 as a team on draws. Clark Cummins caused two turnovers to lead the Cougars. The Cougars split the time in net three ways after James Cipollone's start where he recorded three saves and a .750 save rate getting credit for his sixth win of the season. Mario Pusateri and Will Authement-Brockett each recorded one save during their time in net. The Cougars converted on 17 of 18 clear attempts while cursing 12 failed clears by the Presidents, holding them to just 13 of 25.


The Cougars will be back in action on Saturday March 28th when they have their first home PAC game hosting Grove City in a PAC Championship rematch at 1 PM at UPMC Graham Field.