Middlebury used a 4-0 run in the fourth quarter against visiting Bates, pulling away for a 7-1 victory at Kohn Field. With the season-opening win, the eighth-ranked Middlebury squad is 1-0 overall and holds a similar NESCAC record. This is the 25^th match-up of the two schools as Middlebury holds a sparkling 25-0 record over the Bobcats (1-2, 0-1).

The Panthers opened the game on a 3-0 run, with the first two goals set-up by assists from Mike Giordano. The season-opening goal was on a quick stick feed to Brian Ayers at 10:07 in the first quarter, while the second was a fast break goal by Stew Kerr at the 2:11 mark. Middlebury's third goal was scored by Quinn Cronan on a lefty dodge, bouncing one past Bobcat goalie Adam Scharff at 13:34 of the second quarter.

Bates cut the deficit to 3-1 at 4:19 of the second with an in close turn and stuff shot by Thomas Repko, on a feed from Rob Highland.

Neither team scored in the third quarter as the Panthers used 15 of their 31 shots during their fourth quarter, four-goal run for some breathing room. Stew Kerr notched his second of the game at 14:06 before Giordano notched his third assist, setting up Stephen Seymour at 7:55 on a man-up tally. Alex Englert rifled one home at 4:46, just 30 seconds before Joel Blockowitz capped the scoring on a transition tally for a 7-1 final.

Giordano's three helpers and Kerr's pair paced Middlebury's scoring, while Billy Chapman led all players with eight ground ball pick-ups. Nate Gaudio picked up the win in net, allowing one goal on seven saves. The lone goal is the fewest allowed by Middlebury since a shut-out 25-0 win over New England College in March of 2004.

Scharff takes the loss in goal for Bates, allowing eight goals, while making seven stops on the day.

BOX SCORE