Guilderland dominated the first quarter, but Bethlehem dominated the rest of the game.
The Eagles (1-1 league, 2-1 overall) rallied from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the visiting Dutchmen 9-7 in a Suburban Council South Division game Thursday, April 2.
“I think it was definitely the type of win you build confidence off of,” said Bethlehem coach Dave Rounds. “We got down early, but we scrapped our way back in.”
It seemed as though Guilderland (1-1, 1-1) was going to run Bethlehem off the field early on. The Dutchmen used their speed and some quick passes to create their four first quarter goals.
Bethlehem made defensive adjustments between the first and second quarters, and it paid off. The Eagles prevented Guilderland from using the pick and roll to create lanes for their attackers and midfielders to run through for shots, and as a result, the Dutchmen managed just three goals over the last three periods.
“I thought in the first quarter we came out defensively flat, and we allowed some opportunities that we didn’t react well to,” said Rounds. “After that, we did a much better job of defending them.”
Bethlehem scored four times in the second quarter to pull even with Guilderland, and the Eagles took the lead in the third quarter. The Dutchmen stayed close, but they couldn’t notch the equalizer.
James MacKrell led Bethlehem with two goals and three assists. Brad Bettinger and Mike Kennedy also tallied twice, and Nic Breiner added a goal and two assists. Goaltender Dan Comber finished with 16 saves.
Gus Schwenk recorded a hat trick, and Kevin Dyer contributed two goals and two assists for Guilderland. Dutchmen goaltender Sam DiPace made 16 saves.
Bethlehem returned to action Tuesday, April 7, against Suburban Council South Division foe Shaker. The contest marked the beginning of a tough four-game stretch for the Eagles that includes match-ups against Skaneateles, Ballston Spa and Shenendehowa.
“The next four games are against extremely good teams,” said Rounds. “But Thursday’s game (against Guilderland) gave us the confidence that we can play with anybody.”
Bounce back win
Guilderland rebounded from its loss to Bethlehem by rallying past Colonie 10-8 Saturday, April 4, in a Suburban Council contest.
The game was a seesaw affair, as the lead changed hands several times. Guilderland finally got the upper hand on Colonie by scoring the final three goals of the fourth quarter, after the Garnet Raiders had taken an 8-7 lead.
Schwenk led Guilderland with five goals an an assist, while Ryan Fish contributed a hat trick and a helper. DiPace made 13 saves to pick up the victory.
Sam Keller struck for three goals, and Liam Dollard added a goal and three assists for Colonie (1-2, 2-2).
Guilderland returned to action Tuesday, April 7, against Columbia. It was supposed to be Guilderland’s home opener, but it was moved to Columbia because the Dutchmen’s field wasn’t ready. Guilderland aims to host Queensbury Saturday, April 11, in a non-league game.