OXFORD, Ohio - Logan Neaton made 35 saves and picked up his first collegiate win in goal as Miami defeated LIU 4-1 Saturday. The RedHawks pulled ahead in the first period on goals from Joe Cassetti and Red Savage, with Cassetti finding the back of the net on the power play and Savage scoring shorthanded four minutes later for the first goal of his career.

The Sharks tried for a comeback with a score in the second period, but Miami pulled away over the final 20 minutes as Matthew Barbolini picked up his fourth goal of the season and Chase Pletzke capped the scoring with an empty-netter in the final minute. With the win, the RedHawks improve to 3-10-1 on the year, while the Sharks fall to 4-8-3.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• 13:14 1st (Miami 1-0) | After a relatively even beginning, Miami found some momentum and claimed the first goal of the game. On a power play opportunity after a hooking call on LIU, the RedHawks moved the puck into Sharks territory from PJ Fletcher to Dylan Moulton. Moulton ripped a shot toward the net, with a deflection from Cassetti sealing the goal and putting Miami on top.
• 17:24 1st (Miami 2-0) | Miami doubled its lead before the end of the first period. After a brief 5-on-3 opportunity, the Sharks tried to move the puck into the Miami zone playing 5-on-4, but Red Savage intercepted a pass and got free for an unassisted breakaway.
• 10:19 2nd (LIU 2-1) | Miami found itself shorthanded again after taking a cross-checking penalty, which LIU capitalized on to earn its first goal of the game. Nolan Welsh brought the puck around the back of the RedHawks' net, sending it to Carson Musser, who slid the puck just inside the goalpost.
• 2:21 3rd (Miami 3-1) | The RedHawks had an impressive start to the third period, capitalizing with a goal just over two minutes in. After Matt Barry sent the puck around to Thomas Daskas, Daskas' shot was deflected and landed just to the side of the Sharks' goalie. Matthew Barbolini swooped in to finish off the rebound and put Miami up 3-1.
• 19:31 3rd (Miami 4-1) | With LIU's net empty in pursuit of a potential comeback, Chase Pletzke took advantage, grabbing the puck and sending it down the ice for the unassisted game-sealing score.

 
GAME NOTES:

• The Three Stars of the Game were all awarded to Miami players, with Cassetti third, Savage second and Neaton first.
• Miami came away with 33 faceoffs compared to LIU's 30; Monte Graham won 12 of his 20 draws to lead the RedHawks.
• The win is Miami's first home victory of the season.
• With his first-period assist, Dylan Moulton now has points in five of his last six games for MU.
• Miami won the power play battle, killing five of LIU's six penalties and tacking on the shorthanded goal; MU was 1-of-2 with the man advantage.

 
UP NEXT:
Miami resumes NCHC play next weekend when Western Michigan University comes to Oxford for a two-game series. Puck drop on Friday, Dec. 3 is set for 7:05 p.m. as the RedHawks continue a four-game homestand.