Tars Win Opener Over Panthers

MELBOURNE, Fla. (February 5, 2022) – Rollins traveled to the east coast for their first contest of 2022, defeating the Florida Tech Panthers 10-9 in non-Sunshine State Conference action.  Rollins improves to 1-0 on the year, while Florida Tech drops their first decision of the season.
 
The Tars were led by pairs of goals from Bailey Pringle, Marshall Ellison, Finn Jent, Grant Hansen, and Justin White.  Jent and White added assists for Rollins.  Defensively the Tars got a trio of caused turnovers and a team high four groundballs from Justin Isenhour and 11 saves from Bradley Peterson, playing in his first collegiate game.
 
Collin Stewart tallied a game high three goals to lead Florida Tech.  Justin Williams tallied twice and dished out two assists for the Panthers.  John Hulsman made eight saves in goal, playing the full 60 minutes.
 
The Panthers edged the Tars on groundballs and faceoffs, but the Tars cleared 19-21, better than the 14-18 for the Panthers.  The Tars also converted on 3-7 man up opportunities, while Florida Tech went scoreless on four attempts.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Quarter

• The Panthers got a goal just a minute into the game, but from their both teams struggled to find their footing offensively.
• The Tars would draw level with captain Finn Jent's first score of the season, the midefielder dodged down the alley and slipped a shot under the crossbar, making the score 1-1.
• The Panthers would retake the lead with just seconds remaining in the first quarter, and the score was 2-1 at the first break.

Second Quarter

• After another early goal grew the Florida Tech lead to two, Grant Hansen stung a bottom corner to kick off a four goal run for the Tars featuring a man up goal from Bailey Pringle, Jent's second, and a highlight reel diving goal for Justin White's first score in the Blue and Gold, giving Rollins a 5-3 lead.
• The Panthers stopped the run with five minutes left in the half, but White's second regained the Tars two goal lead, converting a jump shot that wrung off the pipe and into the net.
• Florida Tech equalized going into the half with a pair of late fast break goals.

Third Quarter

• Hansen fired an extra man goal five hole to give the Tars the lead back in the first minute of the second half.
• A rebound goal from Marshall Ellison padded the Rollins lead back to a pair, with seven minute remaining in the third.
• The Panthers pulled one back, sending the two teams into the final quarter with the scoreboard showing 8-7.

Fourth Quarter

• The Panthers started the quarter with a pair of goals in the first two minutes to reclaim the lead.
• Pringle stopped the Florida Tech run with an extra man low to high rip, drawing the teams level at 9-9.
• Ellison muscled through his defender and stung the top right corner of the goal to give the Tars the lead back with just 8 minutes to play.
• The Tars defense locked down in the final minutes, forcing a pair of shot clock violations on the Panthers' final possessions, sealing the win for Rollins.

UP NEXT
The Tars will travel to Jacksonville for a neutral site contest against Colorado Mesa.  Faceoff is slated for Saturday, February 12, at 1 p.m.