Thunderwolves pick up first win

Freshman forward Maurice Channer's team-high third goal of the season lifted host Niagara County Community College to a 2-1 win over Mercyhurst North East, an NJCAA Div. I program, on Wednesday afternoon. NCCC improves to 1-2 on the year.

Channner's game-winning tally came off a free kick from freshman defender Nick Walker, who picked up his second assist in as many games. Channer's goal came in the 77th minute.

Freshman goalkeeper Evan Rarick, who made his first career start, came up with a huge save to preserve the win in the final three minutes of the game. Rarick finished with nine saves.

NCCC gave up a quick goal for the third straight game, but battled back to knot the game at one late in the opening half when sophomore defender Trevor McCabe knocked in a free kick from freshman midfielder Jack Manzella.

"Both goals came off of set plays," NCCC head coach Carl Clark said. "Both were beautiful free kicks over (Mercyhurst North East's) wall and onto the feet of Trevor and Maurice. Today, we dug deep and pulled out a big win for the program."

Riley Michaels scored for the Saints (2-2).

Next up is a critical Region III road contest set for 3 p.m. Saturday at Broome CC.