BOX SCORE • UPDATED BRACKET • GCC CHAMPIONSHIPS
STOCKTON, Calif. - Long Beach State trailed 2-1 after the first period but outscored San Jose State 12-3 the next three periods to secure a 13-5 victory in the first round of the Golden Coast Conference Championships on Friday night.
Long Beach State will clash against second seeded Pacific tomorrow night at 6 p.m. in the first semifinal of the GCC Championships.
GCC Co-Player of the Year Nolan McConnell opened the scoring for the Beach in the first quarter with a perimeter goal off a nice pass from Jacob Fujioka. LBSU began the game with exceptional defense but the Spartans were able to convert on a couple breakdowns to take a 2-1 lead after the first period.
The Beach amped up the offense in the second period as they scored five times. Mitchell Holden guided a shot from the perimeter into the back of the cage about three minutes into the quarter to get things started. He was followed by three more goals from McConnell, two of the even strength variety and one on a power play. All-GCC Second Team honoree Austin Stevenson also chipped in with a goal of his own. Long Beach State held a 6-4 lead at the break.
It was more of the same in the second half for the Beach. Keegan Wicken scored just 26 seconds into the third period thanks to a nice setup by Max Cusator. The two switched roles about a minute later as it was Cusator who poured in a goal off an assist by Wicken. Nolan McConnell would add a goal late in the period to give the Beach a 9-5 advantage after three.
Duncan Lynde, who was also named to the All-GCC Second Team earlier today, scored to begin the fourth period. Mitchell Holden, Jacob Fujioka and Max Cusator also notched goals to give LBSU a 13-5 win over the Spartans.
Nolan McConnell finished the game with five goals on seven shots to lead the offensive attack for the Beach. Max Cusator and Mitchell Holden also recorded multi-goal games, chipping in two goals apiece.
Goalie Thomas Freeman had a solid night in the cage as he finished with nine saves and only five goals allowed.