Filighera ‘proud’ after Dragons tie Nazareth

FINAL (OT): Nazareth 1, Cortland 1

Gritty performance impresses coach

PICTURED: Cortland Head Coach Rick Filighera prepares in his office

CORTLAND, NY — In the week leading up to the clash against Nazareth, the Red Dragons played three games — one of which extended into overtime. Fatigue was a factor early on.

“We weren’t ourselves in the first period,” Cortland Head Coach Rick Filighera said. “[Nazareth] got on us early.”

The Golden Flyers were indeed quick on the draw; they were first to shoot and score. It wasn’t until the final frame when Cortland’s offense came alive.

“We didn’t hesitate in the third period,” Filighera said.

Sophomore Katie Mahoney tied the score for Cortland, and the game headed to overtime. Ultimately, neither team found the net after regulation.

Though the tie ended Cortland’s six-game win streak, Filighera was far from deflated.

“I’m extremely proud,” he said. “[Our players] showed some grit.”

Still, he found room for improvement.

“We need to score more on the power play,” he said.

The Dragons have about one month to sharpen their skills before playoffs start.