TROY, NY – River Seybolt's (Selden, NY/Longwood) first career hat trick paved the way for Sage in a must-win 4-1 game Saturday night against St. Joseph's – Long Island.
Seybolt put the Gators up 1-0 in the 7th minute after beating the Golden Eagle keeper in a 1v1 situation. He followed up his first goal with a second in the 19th minute with a shot from six yards out to the top left corner. The sophomore completed the hat trick in the 24th minute when he scored off a cross from Derlis Zayas (White Plains, NY/White Plains).
In the second half, Liam Hayes (Rensselaer, NY/Columbia) scored Sage's (6-7-3, 4-5-1 Skyline) fourth goal in the 66th minute after a shot from Paul Reynoso (Oswego, NY/G. Ray Bodley) was deflected by the St. Joseph's (7-9, 6-4 Skyline) goalie to Hayes'feet.
In the 76th minute, St. Joseph's Michael Flynn ended the shutout when he scored on a Robert Gomez free kick.
Sage's Mike Chiaravalloti (Torrington, CT/Older Wolcott) (4-2) was credited with the win on a six effort while Avery Gomez (7-9) picked up the loss on five saves. Seybolt led the game with six shots with St. Joseph's Brian O'Sullivan following with four.
With tonight's win, Seybolt moved up in the Sage record books. He currently sits first in single-season penalty kick goals (4), second in career game-winning goals (8), second in career penalty kick goals (4), second in single-season goals (12), third in career points (49), third in career goals (21), third in single-season points (26) and eighth in career assists (7).
Sage has moved into seventh place in the Skyline with 13 points. The Gators are now fighting for the sixth and final playoff spot with Mount Saint Vincent who is in sixth with 15 points. In order to stand a chance at the final playoff spot, Sage has to win their next game against Sarah Lawrence Wednesday night. If they do, they need one of two scenarios. First, if Mount Saint loses to Maritime on Wednesday, the Gators would have sole possession of 6th place. Second, if Mount Saint Vincent and Maritime tie, they would be tied with Sage with 16 points apiece. However, Sage holds the tie breaker and would advance to the playoffs. Kickoff between Mount Saint Vincent and Maritime is set for 4 p.m. with Sage and Sarah Lawrence starting at 7 p.m.