Calvin's league best offense was perfect at home this afternoon, scoring on all five of its shots on goal as the Knights defeated fourth place Albion 5-3. Calvin's eleventh straight victory is its tenth league win and extends its lead to seven points over second place Kalamazoo who faces Adrian tonight. 

"The kids are getting some wonderful things done and I'm very proud of what we are doing," Coach Chris Hughes said. "To put five goals in the back of Albion's net says a lot because Albion is a great team." 

In fact Albion was second in the league defensively having allowed only seven goals all season. Not only did Calvin's offense nearly match that total today, the Knights did it with a perfect five for five shots on goal percentage. 

"We're not going for the amount of shots, we're going for the quality of shots," Hughes said. "Our guys are just picking and choosing and obviously five for five is productive." Calvin's most productive player today was freshman Scott Hooker (Hudsonville/ Unity Christian) whose two goals and one assist led the Knights. The goals were Hooker's seventh and eight of the season. For the second straight game, senior Nick Capisciolto was also huge for Calvin picking up his co-leading eight goal of the season along with a pair of assists. 

Calvin also survived a make shift defensive line as the Knights were without sophomore Greg Snapper (Madison, WI/ Madison West) and freshman Luke Wilgenburg (Visalisa, CA/ Central Valley Christian). 

"No matter who I put where, these kids are getting the job done," Hughes said. "I trust them, I'm not concerned about what year they are here; they're getting the job done. We asked a lot of Jeff Grater (Stow, OH/ Stow- Munroe Falls) today and he performed." Grater played sweeper for the injured Snapper. 

Despite the win Calvin allowed a season high three goals in a conference game. The Knights had led the league in goals against with only five against. 

"Fewer balls went in our net verses how many went into our opponent's net.  I see that as a success," Hughes said. "We had three freshmen and one sophomore going against what I think is one of the better teams in the MIAA. Hat's off to those young guys." 

Despite the 5-3 win, Calvin was actually outshot 16-12 and 8-5 in shots on goal. Junior Darrin Cline (Grandville/ Grandville) and senior Dave Fortosis (West Chicago, IL/ Wheaton Academy) combined for five saves. Cline allowed one goal and Fortosis allowed two. 

Senior Jared Litty (Hudsonville/ Hudsonville) opened up the scoring in the 10th minute with a beautiful shot far post from the left corner. Sophomore Michael Holwerda (Grand Rapids/ Grand Rapids Christian) picked up the assist setting Litty up with a perfect cross. Hooker tallied his first goal ten minutes later with a shot deflected off of the keeper. Capisciolto was credited with the assist. Albion's Andy Low scored the first of his two goals in the 31st minute to cut the deficit to 2-1. Hooker responded with his second goal seven minutes later. After a beautiful spin move he turned around and from a standstill dropped a shot into the upper eft corner to put the Knights ahead 3-1 at the half. 

Capisciolto, who assisted Hooker's first goal, had the favor returned when Hooker found him on the right wing. Capisciolto rocketed a shot from a tough angle on the right wing to put Calvin up 4-1 minutes into the second half. Low again cut the deficit in half for Albion with his second goal of the game after he sprung on a breakaway. Capisciolto picked up his second assist with a perfect free kick off of the head of sophomore Alex McKenzie (Lindenhurst, IL/ Antioch) for his first goal of the season in the 72nd minute. Albion's Jordan Matthews added the Briton's third goal in the 82nd minute on a breakaway. 

With a five goal effort today, the Knights increased their conference goal total to 37 and their season total to 44. Hooker, Capisciolto and Holwerda co-lead the team each with eight goals on the season. The second best offense in the MIAA is Hope who totals 19 conference goals. 

Calvin has only two league game remaining. The Knights host Adrian on Wednesday and close out the season at Tri-State on Saturday as they try to capture their first MIAA Championship since 2004. 

"Getting through this game [against Albion] was big for us," Hughes said. "But we have to take care of business with Adrian on Wednesday and at Tri-State next Saturday. We've got our work cut out for us, but I'm hoping we are up to the test."