ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (April 5, 2025) -- On Saturday afternoon at Rocky River Stadium, the Pirates continued with their ways that have been both swashbuckling and stingy in this spring of 2025. Leveraging big first and third periods, the Double-R downed Gahanna Lincoln 7-0.
Sophomore Connor Nesbett followed up his big Thursday performance -- nine points in a 16-6 win over Avon -- with a three-goal afternoon, but it was the River defense coming through with another stalwart effort that proved to be the key to continuing the team's season-opening win streak. Rocky River (5-0), which also registered shutout wins each of the last two seasons, held the visiting Lions to just eight total shots and two shots on frame. The Pirates forced Lincoln into 34 turnovers and cruised to the win despite putting just 16 of its own 51 shots (31%) on goal.
River rocked its way to a 3-0 cushion through the first quarter with goals from Michael Bebie, Nesbett, and Ryan Taylor. Despite outshooting the Lions 28-4, those three goals were all River could muster in the first half.
Rocky River's second-half scoring -- two goals by Nesbett and one each by Bebie and Joe Smith -- all came in the third quarter. With his three goals Saturday, Nesbett has now found twine 10 times this season. His 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) lead the squad through five games.
Taylor finished with 1G and 1A while going 8-2 on 10 faceoffs. Dominic Ricketti recorded 2A and added seven scoops and a pair of spills
William Sawyer stuffed the box score with 1A, four ground balls, and three caused turnovers. Nesbett had 5 GB and Taylor added 5 CT. As a team, the Pirates were credited with 51 ground balls to Lincoln's 20.
Ayad Mehulic was mostly kept upright and unbothered in going the route between the pipes. He recorded two saves.
Through five games, Rocky River has allowed just 23 goals.
Saturday's contest closed out a three-game home stand for the Pirates, who are now 4-0 on Detroit Road this season and 13-1 at home over the last two years. River's next game will be Monday at Chagrin Falls.
by Skip Snow
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