Miami downs Air Force 3-2 in OT in NCAA Regional semifinal

   WORCESTER, Mass. - For the second year in a row, Air Force let a lead over a top-seeded team slip away in its NCAA Tournament regional.

   The Falcons allowed Miami (Ohio) to rally for a 3-2 overtime win Saturday at the DCU Center.

   With the win, Miami (33-7-1) advances to today's Northeast Regional championship.

   "We proved we're not a onehit wonder," Air Force coach Frank Serratore said. "But personally, it's two missed opportunities when you come that close, and I'll take these games to the grave."

   The Falcons took their first lead with 11:26 remaining in the second period. Senior Josh Print scored his first goal of the season from the back post to make it 2-1.

   "Like I tell all the guys, I try to save them for the most important times," Print said. "It's my biggest goal I've ever scored in my life, just to give the guys a boost. I think it helps when a guy like myself, who hasn't scored a goal all season, gets one there to put us ahead."

   Earlier in the second period, Falcons freshman Derrick Burnett tied the game when he controlled the rebound from a Jeff Hajner shot and buried it behind Jeff Zatkoff.
   But the Falcons couldn't keep the momentum.

   A power-play goal from Miami freshman Carter Camper with just over 6 minutes to play brought the RedHawks even at 2-2.

   Eric Ehn, who returned from serious leg injuries, skated down the ice alone for a 1-on-1 with Zatkoff less than a minute into overtime. Zatkoff narrowly deflected Ehn's shot off the shaft of his stick.

   Less than a minute later, Miami's Ryan Jones was alone with Andrew Volkening, who made a highlight-reel save.

   "He was moving from right to left and it just got a piece of his stick," Jones said.

   With just over 4 minutes remaining in the overtime period, Miami junior Justin Mercier found the top corner of the net to give the RedHawks the win.

   "We had our chances, and they had their chances and unfortunately it didn't go our way," Serratore said.

   Miami jumped to a 1-0 lead after freshman right wing Tommy Wingels' wrister beat Volkening stick side in the opening 19 seconds.

   "Our game plan was to get out to a great start and that ended in a hurry," Serratore said.

   With their win, the RedHawks snapped the Falcons' nation-leading nine-game unbeaten streak.

   "I'm so proud of our players for putting us on the map," Serratore said. "People didn't even know we were a Division I hockey program.

   "We will not get here every year. As proud as I am with my players, you just don't know if you will have these opportunities again."