The CHIMES

Issue date: 2/26/10 Section: Sports

"It came down to the Cortland game," head coach Brian Grady said of the Mustangs' first playoff berth in four years. The Mustangs beat SUNY Cortland on Feb. 12. 5-0.

By beating Buffalo State on Friday, Feb. 20, the Mustangs clinched a playoff spot. Matt Salmon received Athlete of the Week because of his contribution to this victory, with two goals and an assist. Salmon became the lead scorer, recording 10 goals for the Mustangs.

Cortland's Marcus Oeberg checks Derek Matheson into the boards during the Feb. 12 game against Cortland. The team was victorious with a winning score of 5-0. Photo courtesy of Steve Samoyedny of Four Seasons

"If we would've beat Fredonia last Saturday we would've jumped up a place from being seeded sixth to fifth," Grady said. SUNY Fredonia beat the Mustangs on Feb. 20, 7-1. When the playoff game was announced, Grady didn't think that the loss could've come at a better time.

Fredonia also beat the Mustangs 5-2 on Dec. 5, making the series 0-2 for Morrisville.

On Tuesday, Feb. 23, the Mustangs travelled to Fredonia to play in the quarterfinal game and won 3-2 in overtime. Grady feels game-packed weekends helped the team prepare for Tuesday's playoff game.

In the third period, the Mustangs took over play and had multiple chances to win. "Caylin had two or three big saves for us in the first few minutes of overtime which set the stage for our win," Grady said.

"We are in uncharted territory now, but the team isn't playing like that. They are playing with confidence," Grady said. "It's a one-game season from here on."

Grady also said he feels that it doesn't matter that SUNY Oswego has been ranked first all year. "It comes down to one game," Grady said.

The Mustangs will travel to Oswego for the semifinals this Saturday, Feb. 27.

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