FRESNO, CA - The Fresno State Bulldogs took a 5-2 win over the Northern Arizona University Ice Jacks Saturday afternoon with help from Matt Reynolds’ two goals and solid goaltending from Nate Lamberty.

            The start was Lamberty’s second of the year. His first win was over Santa Clara two weeks earlier.

            “It felt great to get another big win, especially at home in Fresno,” Lamberty said. “I've definitely adapted to this level of play and my confidence is always high when I have the team supporting me.

            The team did support Lamberty giving him an early lead in the first period scoring goals by defenseman Chris McCormick at 10:40 and another by forward Matt Young two minutes later.
Reynolds scored the only goal in the second period, giving the ‘Dogs a 3-0 lead heading into the third period.

            With assistance from his line mates Reynolds scored his second goal of the night at the 5:34 mark in the third period.

            “I told my line we would get something over the weekend, and all the hard work finally paid off,” Reynolds said. “Hopefully we stay on a line together, because I like the improvements we're makings.”

            Along with personal satisfaction, Reynolds enjoyed the fact his line was being effective Saturday. Line mate Nick Lamberty assisted on both goals, while line mate Eric McLaughlin assisted on his second.

            The Bulldog defense shut out the Ice Jackets for two periods before allowing them to score their first goal 30 seconds after Reynolds by forward Joaquin Rivera. 

            “The defense played a solid a game,” Nate Lamberty said. “They did everything they could to help me out back there.”

            Immediately after Reynolds goal in the third, NAU replaced their starting goalie Nigel Cobb, who stopped 24 shots, with backup Erik Morgan. Morgan managed to stop 9 shots, but allowed a goal to Bulldog forward Jacob Winans at the 12:03 mark.

            Less than a minute later NAU forward Mike Pyykvonen would score on the power play but the momentum would not be enough to sustain a comeback for the Ice Jacks.
 
            “We came out hungry and keep the pressure on early in the game,” Lamberty said regarding Fresno’s strong offense.

            Head coach Marcel Bourdase agreed saying the team is continuing to improve on starting strong in the first and maintain that pace throughout the game.

            “We came out much better,” Bourdase said. “We did a better job of keeping our feet moving and continuing to attack them. We’re getting closer to 60 minutes, we’re not quite there yet, but we’re in the 45 minute range I think right now.”

            Up next the Bulldogs travel to face Division II Loyola Marymount and will be focusing on playing their game and being as prepared as possible.

            “We just need to focus solely on playing our own game, and not letting other teams dictate it,” Reynolds said.

            Lamberty agreed stating preparation is the key when facing a strong opponent.
            “Based on what I've learned from the beginning of the season and from playing NAU D2 is that you always have to expect the unexpected. Just try to stay as focused and ready to go as possible,” Lamberty said.

            Bourdase said the next few games are instrumental in helping determining the Bulldog’s success the rest of the season.

            “We’ve got six big games coming up, obviously this weekend with Loyola Marymount, it’s going to be a big, good test because they’re D2 and we play them the next three games,” Bourdase said. “Then after that we go to Colorado, so these next six games are going to be the telling point of where we’re at as a team for this year.”

            After the game assistant captain Travis Bybee was given the team’s Monkey Award. The weekly award is passed on by the previous winner to the person they feel best exemplifies team contribution and assistance. The award, a stuffed monkey, must be in the possession of the player at all times and violations will have consequences determined by the team. The peer award helps boost confidence and encourage players to work as a team on and off the ice.

            The Fresno State Bulldogs will face the Loyola Marymount Lions at 10 p.m. Saturday Oct. 24 in Harbor City. The game can be listened to live at http://www.bulldogicehockey.com.