Stamer, Defense Lead Way to CCSJ Crown

William Penn University Athletics

East Chicago, Ind.–While the offense finds its legs, the Statesmen defense is getting the job done as WPU defeated host Calumet-St. Joseph in the championship game of the Crimson Wave Invitational Sunday.

William Penn (1-1-1) was outshot 24-5, but goalkeeper Max Stamer (Fr., Salzgitter, Germany, Secondary Education) and company kept CCSJ off the board until late in the second half.

Randolph Tamba (Jr., Firestone, Liberia, Information Technology) broke the scoreless tie at the 64:58 mark with his first goal of 2015. The junior paced his squad with three shots off the bench.

The Crimson Wave finally answered in the 74th minute, but both sides were shut down for the remainder of the second period as well as both extra sessions. The teams combined for eight yellow cards (five for WPU) and 45 fouls (31 for WPU) in another physical outing.

Since the 1-1 contest served as the invite’s title game and a champion had to be determined, a penalty kick situation ensued. The last time WPU was in a shootout, it came up short 12-11 in last year’s Midwest Collegiate Conference Quarterfinals against Mount Mercy.

On Sunday, however, the Statesmen would not be denied. WPU fell behind 2-1 after two rounds, but Stamer guessed right in the third and fifth rounds to stop a pair of Crimson Wave tries as his team came away with the 4-3 victory.

Stamer had seven saves in the game and was named Tournament Most Outstanding Player for his efforts. Tamba and Facundo Benitez (Jr., Buenos Aires, Argentina, Business Management) were also chosen for the all-tourney team.

“This was another good performance from our men,” Head Coach Jaymee Highcock said. “Every member of the squad played their part this weekend. A win and a tie is a great way to finish the weekend; this is another step in the right direction.”

Next Up: William Penn travels to Hannibal, Mo. Wednesday to face Hannibal-LaGrange in non-conference play at 4 p.m.