FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Coming off their dominating 6-2 victory over the Marksmen Saturday night, the Birmingham Bulls returned to the Crown Coliseum in attempt to sweep the weekend on the road. The Marksmen struggled in all aspects Saturday night and they needed to come into Sunday’s game with a game plan to execute offensively.
The Marksmen opened the first period with a lot of physicality, something they lacked Saturday night. With an aggressive style of play, the Marksmen appeared to have the Bulls disoriented for the early part of the first period. Travis Jeke and Josh Harris had a disagreement after a play and they were both sent to the penalty box for roughing. Jeke would later return to the penalty box for a cross checking penalty.
The Bulls struggled in the first period however, they brought it to start the second the second period. Garrett Johnston rallied the troops and forced one past Dillon Kelley for the first goal of the game. With the Bulls up 1-0, they had the Marksmen right where they want them. Travis Jeke found the back of the net for the Marksmen, evening the score at 1-1. However, the score didn’t stay at 1-1 for long. Jacob Barber found the twine for the fourth time this weekend. With Barber’s goal, he moves up to the league leader in scoring. Barber was eventually sent to the sin bin for a slashing penalty, giving the Marksmen an opportunity to mount a comeback. Garrett Schmitz wouldn’t allow the Marksmen the opportunity to score while on the power play, scoring a short handed goal for the Bulls.
With the Bulls up 3-1 on the road, the Marksmen needed a miracle to force a comeback. Marksmen Captain Jake Hauswirth was sent to the box for a hooking penalty. Josh Harris capitalized on the misfortune of the Marksmen and scored a power play goal, giving the Bulls a 4-1 lead. Brian Bowen managed to sneak one past Mavric Parks for his second goal with the Marksmen, bringing them within two. Nearing the conclusion of the third period, Dillon Kelley was pulled to give the Marksmen the extra attacker. With the extra attacker on the ice, the Marksmen attempted to score late. That didn’t happen however, as Andrew Darrigo shot one from the center ice and scored the empty net goal. Darrigo’s goal sealed the deal for a Bulls victory.
The Bulls leave this weekend with a weekend sweep over the Marksmen. The Marksmen travel to Macon next week, hoping to leave the memories of this weekend behind them.
Photo by James Jackson
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