Live Scoring | Boxscore

NEWARK, Dela. - The line of Sean McKenzie (Howell, Mich.), Matt Morang (Dearborn, Mich.), and Jeff Slusser (Kentwood, Mich.) powered the Panther offense this afternoon as DU pummeled the University of Rhode Island Rams 9-1 in the National Quarterfinal game.

The Panthers started off quickly as DU scored their first three shots on goal as McKenzie, Bobby Collar (Brighton, Mich.), and Sean McWhorter (Lansing, Mich.) put the No. 2 seed up 3-0 within five minutes of the game. McKenzie scored from below the goal line off a URI defender to give the Panthers the early lead. Bobby Collar scored another highlight reel goal as DU senior shelved a pass from Kyle McDowell (Toronto, Ontario). McWhorter put DU up by three as he unleashed a wrist shot from the slot on the powerplay.

Later in the period, Collar took advantage of a URI miscue as the forward deked the goaltender for the shorthanded tally.

The second period was much of the same as DU continued the onslaught. McKenzie completed the hattrick as the Panthers also received goals from Brandon Davis (Hartland, Mich.) and Morang. Despite giving up a powerplay goal, the Panthers led after 40 minutes of play, 8-1.

The third period was quiet from both teams and went quickly as the only DU tally of the frame was a Slusser slam-dunk goal off a feed from McKenzie and Brojek.

Phil Graveline (Marshall, Mich.) finished with 20 saves in goal as the freshman netminder turned away numerous Ram scoring chances to complete the victory.

The Panthers now will continue on the National Semi-Final on Tuesday where they will meet No. 3 seed Ohio University in one of two semifinal game. Top-seed and 2-time defending national champion Lindenwood will take on the host team,#5 University of Delaware. Keep checking DUpanthers.com for tournament updates.