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Early CCLA Playoff Exit for Pitt

May. 8, 2011

On a Saturday Afternoon in Saline, Michigan, the Pittsburgh Panthers (9-2) matched up against the Michigan State Spartans (11-4) for the second year in a row in the CCLA playoffs. Also for the second year in a row, MSU knocked Pitt out early in the playoffs as Pitt lost 3-19.

The Pitt Panther's fought hard in this game, but could not over come the rapid start by the Spartans, as they went up 8 to 0 by the end of the first quarter.  Goals by defensive midfielder Elliot Clakely, attackman Conor Brown, and middie Jon Short were all that the panthers could score as the offense was held in check for most of the game

"Michigan State's intensity was well above ours in this game," said first year assistant coach Andrew Stypula "We tried to go toe-to-toe with them, but couldn't recover from that first quarter."

Freshman Goalie Drew Miller saw his sixth consecutive start between the pipes for Pitt, and was able make 19 saves on 38 shots faced in his first career loss.  "Drew was the player of the game for us," said first year assistant coach Alex Perry, "stats don't tell the full story in this game as he saved everything shot at him from further then 10 yards out."

This game also marked the end of careers as seven Panthers graduate from the program and the university, thus ending one chapter while beginning another in their lives:

• Attackman Conor Brown - From Mechanicsburg, PA, appeared in 40 games for Pitt, Scored 15 Goals and 10 assists in his career, Captian and Team President in the 2011 Season

• Midfielder Matt Pham - From Collegeville, PA, appeared in 24 games for Pitt, Scored 11 Goals and 6 Assists in his Career, Captain and Vice President for the 2011 season

• Long Stick Midfielder Kyle Wishart - From Mt. Lebanon, PA, Appeared in 24 games for Pitt, scored 5 goals and 7 assists in his career.

• Defenseman Jordan Kepner - From Carlisle, PA, Appeard in 32 games for Pitt, scored 1 goal, 1 assist, and 89 ground balls in his career. 

• Long Stick Midfielder Dylan Small - From Carlisle, PA, Appeard in 9 games for Pitt, scored 1 goal and 16 ground balls in his career.

• Defenseman Andy Martin - From Erie, PA, appeared in 25 games for Pitt.  Registered 4 ground balls in his career

• Midfielder Jeff Alba - From Mecanicsburg, PA, appeared in 1 game for Pitt before going on season ending Injured Reserve with torn ankel ligaments.  Registered 1 assist in his career.

For all of the guys listed above, we wish them the vary best in their careers as they leave this time in their lives, but will always be apart of the Panther Lacrosse Family.

Hail to Pitt!