NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – A pair of Niagara Purple Eagles scored their first goals of the season in Niagara's 10-2 setback to the ECAC's St. Lawrence Saints on Saturday night.

Sophomore forward Phillip Nasca and freshman forward Derian Plouffe scored eight minutes apart in a goal-frenzy second period which witnessed seven goals combined. Niagara (0-2-0) trailed 1-0 after the first period and 3-0 after 5:15 played in the second half, when the Purple Eagles struck to cut the lead to 3-2.

Nasca released a wrist shot after a pass from Stephen Pietrobon to put NU on the board at the 5:40 mark. The Purple Eagles nearly added another one a few minutes later while shorthanded. Sam Alfieri had a breakaway, but his effort hit the post. At the 13:44 mark, Plouffe provided a spectacular goal. After wrapping around the back of the net, he unleashed a backhanded shot top shelf to beat the goalie.

"I couldn't be more proud of Phil Nasca. The goal (Plouffe) scored - his hands and poise - that's how good that kid is going to be," head coach Dave Burkholder said.

The Saints, however, halted the momentum with a goal 31 seconds later. SLU would then score two more goals – power play and even strength – before the period ended to lead 6-2. The Saints added four more goals in the third period.

"We are not going to make excuses for ourselves," Burkholder said. "They are really good and we played really bad."

Niagara will have a home-and-home series to begin AHA play against Robert Morris starting on Friday in Moon Township before hosting the Colonials on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.