CARLISLE, Pa. --- Roanoke College escaped with a 14-13 win over Dickinson on the road this afternoon. The win improved the Maroons to 7-0 on the season while the Red Devils slipped to 3-2.

In what was the closest game of the season, the Maroons tied the 1978 and 1979 teams for the best start in school-history. They are in elite company as the '78 team went on to win the College Division National Title and the '79 team advancing to the National Quarterfinals.

Roanoke was outshot for the first time this season, 52-43, but won the groundball battle, 42-38 in addition to winning 21-of-30 face-offs. The Maroons were successful in 21-of-27 clear attempts and converted all three of their man-up opportunities. They are now 4-1 all-time against Dickinson since 2000.

Roanoke struck first as Matt Quinton scored just three minutes in before the Devils with a pair of goals from B.J. West and Ward Gruppo to make it 2-1. The teams traded back-to-back goals twice to give the Devils a 6-5 advantage at the end of the first period. It was the first time all season the Maroons were behind after the first quarter.

The Red Devils closed out the first with back-to-back goals and started the second quarter with three-straight to take the biggest lead of the game, 9-5 at the 7:52 mark. It was the largest deficit the Maroons have faced all season.

Roanoke came alive, scoring the next six goals by five different players. Noah Gibby started the run with an unassisted goal and Trey Keeley's goal tied the contest at nine-all with 5:50 remaining in the half. Quinton and Chas Carlsons' goals came within seven seconds of each other to pull in front 11-9 with two minutes left. Bobby Kingsleyfound the net with 22-seconds left in the half to make the score 11-10 at the break.

The teams proved to be a little more conservative in the second half, but not before Ted Sirvaitistied the game just 35 seconds into the third quarter. Casey Finkelsteinand Chris Dodsonfinished a 4-0 run for the Devils to put them in front 13-11 with 3:56 remaining in the third period. Quinton scored his fifth and final goal of the day to pull the Maroons within one at the 1:35 mark heading into the final stanza.

Roanoke tied the game early in the fourth period as senior Zach Thomas scored just 50-seconds in for his second goal of the game. Junior Pat March came around the crease to net what would be the game-winning goal at the 11:16 mark in the final period.

That would be all the scoring on the day as senior goalie Nick Peck stopped eight shots in the final quarter to finish with 13 on the afternoon. He came in late in the second quarter and came up big in the second half. Senior Russell Matthewsmade 16 saves, including five in the fourth quarter. Sam Love and Stephen Simmons were big once again for the defense, collecting four groundballs each and forcing four and three caused turnovers, respectively.

Quinton's game-high five goals led the way for Roanoke in addition to an assist. Brian Foley netted two goals and added an assist including seven groundballs. Thomas finished with two goals which puts him second all-time in career shots at Roanoke while Justin Tuma won 13-of-17 face-offs and controlled nine ground balls. Greg Khanzadian collected four groundballs and won 7-of-11 face-offs.

Sirvaitis led a balanced Dickinson attack with two goals and a pair of assists. Phil Caputo added two goals while Dodson tallied a goal and two assists. Chris Breslinand Al Golodanchored a solid defensive effort, each with five ground balls. John Haireturned in a strong performance as well, causing three turnovers.

The men will return home to host Richard Stockton this Thursday, March 19. The Maroons will square off this season against their third first-time opponent, as they will take on Williams on March 25. They defeated York (Pa.) and Birmingham-Southern in their first meetings. Game time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

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