Shaffer nets 100 career wins in 10-0 shutout over Towanda

By: Ed Weaver  /  October 3, 2017

Wellsboro head coach John Shaffer picked up his 100th career Varsity win as the Hornets shut out Towanda 10-0 on Monday, October 2.

"Tonight was a special night for the program," Shaffer said after reaching the miletstone. "I appreciate all the kind words but all the credit should go to the players I've been lucky enough to coach over the last 8 years. They been the ones to win the game. I also need to share this with my wonderful assistant Todd Fitch, he's a key part of this program."

The Hornets struck with 32:08 left in the first half on a goal by senior Devin Webster. Senior Tanner Runyan added to the lead on back-to-back goals, both unassisted, with 17:04 and 14:39 showing on the clock to make it 3-0 in favor of the Hornets. Three minutes later, junior Brett Rudy scored his first of three goals for a hat trick on the evening.

Rudy's first goal came at 11:27 then not even a minute later he scored again on an assist from senior Noah Fitch. Freshman Kaeden Mann closed out the first half scoring with 3:25 remaining on a Runyan assist to take a 6-0 lead into the half.

"Towanda really made it tough on us especially in the first half," continued Shaffer. "They were well organized and kept a high line. Their goalie also made some huge saves. I was happy with how the boys kept the ball moving and keeping almost all their shots on frame, which is a current focus.  Also very proud of the defense which earned their eighth shutout in a row."

The Hornets weren't done scoring after the break and added 4 more goals. Fitch scored on a penalty kick not even three minutes into the half to make it 7-0, then senior Johnny Rowland scored with 23:17 remaining to make it 8-0. Rudy capped the hat trick, his third of the season, with 14:51 left on the clock. Senior Nic Ingerick then scored the game's final goal two minutes later to put Wellsboro ahead, 10-0.

Wellsboro took 28 shot attempts on goal while holding the Black Knights to just 2 shot attempts. Junior Nate Redell saved both Towanda shot attempts for his eighth shutout this season.

Wellsboro's JV team also shutout Towanda, winning 8-0 on the night to improve to 6-1 this year.

The Hornets (10-0-1, 8-0-1 NTL) will be back in action on Wednesday, October 4 at Sayre.