SAVANNAH, Ga. – [Bracket] Seventh-seed Madonna fell behind early; however, a six-goal run that spanned two quarters to take the lead and never looked back, earning the 14-8 win.  With the win, the Crusaders advance to the National Semifinals and improve to 14-5 overall, while the Eagles close out their season with an 11-3 record.

Reinhardt struck first as Benjamin Shackleford scored twice in the first five minutes to the Eagles the early advantage.  Madonna responded with an unassisted goal from Jackson Gradstein at the 6:27 mark, before Nick Bryden converted a man-up goal to tie the game at 2-2. Both defense came up with huge plays to keep the game tied after the first quarter.

Madonna took advantage of an Eagles penalty and scored a man-up goal nine seconds into the second quarter to take their first lead of the game.  The Crusaders added a pair of goals to extend their lead to 5-2 with 5:04 remaining in the first half.  Both goalies made big saves in the closing minutes of the half as Madonna took the 5-2 edge into the break. 

Madonna’s Carter Borsos extends their lead with an assist from Shane Alexander just over a minute into the third quarter.  Reinhardt started to rally, going on a 4-1 run, including a pair of goals from Joey Amatulli to cut the deficit to pull within one at 7-6 with 3:23 remaining.  The Crusaders utilized a transition goal from Danny Smith as part of a three-goal run to take a 10-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

The Crusaders carried their momentum into the fourth quarter netted three unanswered goals, in a four minute span to make it 13-7.  Both teams added goals in the closing minutes of the game, while the defenses combined for five caused turnovers for the 14-8 final.

The Crusaders were led by Carter Borso, Nick Bryden, and Jackson Gradstein, who each tallied a hat trick in the win.  Blazej Cimochowski went 13-19 on faceoffs and scooped six ground balls, while DeMario Williams notched four caused turnovers and six ground balls.  Aiden Haver made six saves in the win.

Reinhardt had a trio of players finish with two goals apiece, including Luke Greer, who tallied three points.  Alex Mabrey notched a team-best four ground balls, while Ethan Rogers and Michael Scoleri combined for ten saves.

The victory propels Madonna into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of #3 Cumberlands (Ky.) and #6 Indiana Tech.  The next round is scheduled for May 8 at 6 p.m. ET at Memorial Stadium as the quest for the championship title continues.