Mancini's Goal Gives Paul VI the Win

By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer
mcostantino@sjsports.com

Joe Mancini's third period goal broke a 2-2 tie and helped Paul VI edge Cherokee 3-2 in Tier 2 action played at Hollydell on Friday night. After a scoreless first period, Paul VI scored two goals in sixteen seconds. First Brett Balco hit Dustin Isbert at the left circle and after the initial save was made by Cherokee goalie Steven McKenney, Mike DeGennaro deposited the rebound and Paul VI led 1-0. Seconds later the same combination scored again, with Isebert getting the goal and Balco and DeGennaro the assists.

Cherokee responded just over a minute later as Mike Garofolo scored on a breakaway to cut the lead to 2-1. In the closing minutes of the period, Patrick McMahon (who has a cannon shot) blasted one from the point to tie the score at 2-2. You could sense the Paul VI fans did not want to see another tie, and Mancini didn't disappoint them. Mancini jammed the puck from in close to send the fans home happy.