RIPON, Wis. – Led by a hat trick each from sophomores Garrett Lee and Nicholas Bilodeau, the Eagles routed Ripon, 7-0, in their biggest win since 2012.
It was the first career hat trick for both players as the Eagles (1-1) earned their first victory of the season in dominant fashion. The Eagles only outshot Ripon (1-2), 15-12, but made nearly every shot count with 12 shots on goal.
Lee, who posted a game-high five shots on goal, was responsible for four of the Eagles' first five goals. The junior struck quickly with a pair of goals in the 20th and 21st minutes off junior Zander Rothering assists, dropped an assist to freshman Sean Surtees in the 50th, and finished it off with his final strike in the 57th.
While Lee got the flurry started, Bilodeau closed out as he claimed responsibility for four of the Eagles last five goals. Bilodeau canned one from inside left of the 18-yard box in the 42nd, assisted Lee in the 57th, and then ended the night with two goals in the 61st and 73rd minutes.
In total, 20 Eagles saw playing time, including both goalies. Sophomore starter Ethan Schneider (1-1) picked up his first win of the season with two saves in the first half, while freshman Brandyn Storhoff and sophomore Steven Canterbury split the final period and helped produce the Eagles' first shutout since 2014.
The Eagles held the advantage in corner kicks, 7-5, and attempted all seven in a furious first half.
Their quick start fueled their fourth straight win over Ripon, outscoring the Red Hawks, 14-2, in the process. It was an offensive display for an Eagle team that posted seven goals in its previous four meetings against the Red Hawks.
It will be a quick turnaround as the Eagles face Judson University (Ill.) on the road this Wednesday, September 7 at 4:00 p.m.