SCHENECTADY, NY -- Union's special teams provided the necessary spark to propel the Dutchmen to a 5-2 non-conference win over Bowling Green on Homecoming Saturday at Messa Rink.  Rick Bennett's squad scored four times on the power play and killed four-of-five short-handed situations.

Freshman Michael Pontarelli scored twice and Shayne Gostisbehere recorded three assists as several Union goals were generated on beautiful tick-tack-toe passes.  Pontarelli was on the receiving end of such a play in the third period and sophomore Nick Cruice converted on a similar setup on passes from Daniel Ciampini and Jeff Taylor.  

Ciampini (goal, assist) and teammate Daniel Carr (goal, assist) turned in multiple-point performances as eight Union players figured in the scoring.

Union applied the pressure early, directing 14 shots towards Falcon goaltender Tomas Sholl, who was making his collegiate debut.  The result was a quick strike from Ciampini, who buried a pass from Gostisbehere just 1:24 after the opening faceoff.  

Defensively, Union received another solid effort from Alex Sakellaropoulos, who made 20 saves in just his second game.  He faced nine shots in the third period, allowing only a power play goal to Mark Cooper with UC ahead 5-1 at the time.

The 16th-ranked Dutchmen continue non-conference play next weekend, playing host to Lake Superior State at Messa Rink.