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On the last day of April, 2005, the last thing the Bucs had on their mind was finishing their cinderella season and going home. The Bucs had worked hard all year, going undefeated in conference play to earn the first seed and a match-up against underrated St. Ed's in the first round of the playoffs.

After losing in the first round last year, SU had no illusions that there is such a thing called playoff intensity, and that the score and play of St. Ed's in the first game was not indicative of the play SU would see today.

For a short time, however, it seemed SU would be able to run away early with the game after Gainey scored just under four minutes into the game. The rest of the half, however, would be nip and tuck, as both teams were bogged down with an intense game that saw most of the half played between the two boxes. SU was able to go up 3-0 in the second early before allowing St. Ed's to finish the quarter strong and bring the score to 3-2 at half time.

After a spirited discussion at half-time, the Bucs realized this could be their last game unless they stepped it up. That is exactly what they did. Evan, the St. Ed's coach had his guys well prepared for SU and it took them out of their comfort zone in the first half. In the second, SU started to create some distance with three goals before the 9 minute mark, including a second by Gette (with an assist/screen) by Pritchett, and a solid move by Kerr. In all the third saw the score in favor of SU at 8-5.

St. Ed's would not score again. To start the fourth, Wersonske notched two in the first minute and it broke the Hilltoppers backs. SU finished out the game with three more goals, including an unbelievable short by Frank as he was plowed by the goalie that found its way in the empty net from 8 yards out to end the scoring for the day.

While the score may not indicate it, the game was much closer and tougher than one might think. St. Ed's was a tough opponent, and the intensity woke the Bucs up to prepare them for UTA, who had won against Trinity 10-8 earlier in the day.

The Bucs travelled back to Georgetown ready to come back for the championship run on Sunday, and a trip to Minnesota for the national championships.

Bill Bowman

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