High School Ice Hockey: Braves Rally has Paul VI Fitted to be Tied Monday, November 1, 2004 By Mike Costantino SJSports Staff Writer The Williamstown Braves came back from a two goal deficit and earned a 4-4 tie with Paul VI in high school ice hockey action played at the Skate Zone on Monday night. Tom Ruiz led Williamstown with two goals. Bret Balco also tallied two for Paul VI. Balco scored the only goal in the first period, as Dustin Isbert and Mark Forte assisted on the goal in the opening moments. Dennis Cunnard got the equalizer for Williamstown after Ruiz was stoned by Eric Lake. Cunnard was camped in front for the easy rebound goal. Williamstown took the lead moments later as Justin Osterdahl lifted a shot in the slot by Lake and just under the crossbar. It stayed that way until Paul VI went on the power play with just under three minutes left in the period. Rich Ferro worked hard along the boards and dug out the puck, after Mike McCoy’s shot was stopped Zack Booth was on the doorstep and his goal tied the score at 2-2. Less than a minute later Balco blasted a shot along the ice and into the long side to give Paul VI a 3-2 lead heading into the third period. After Eric Pollag gave Paul VI a 4-2 lead at the nine minute mark, it looked like the Eagles were going to survive. But Ruiz responded seconds later to cut the lead to 4-3. Then with just over four minutes left, Ruiz came from behind the net to tap home a rebound of a shot by Osterdahl. Paul VI has to learn to finish games as this is the second consecutive game they had at least a two goal lead and could not close the deal.