DENVER – A slow start cost St. Gregory's late Tuesday night as No. 20 Metro State downed the Cavs, 16-2, in Denver. The loss snapped a seven-game win streak for SGU.

The Roadrunners (5-1) scored nine unanswered first-quarter goals, a deficit that proved to be insurmountable for the visiting Cavs. Matthew Hyde and Chandler Peterson connected on scores from Richard Fromdahl in the second, but MSU added another just before the break to make it 10-2.

The hosts were strong defensively throughout, but especially in the second half. The Roadrunners' Edward Schafer shut the Cavs out in the final 30 minutes, denying all four of SGU's on-target attempts after intermission. MSU outscored the visitors, 6-0, in the second half - building on a game during which it outshot the Cavs, 43-25.

Reigning KCAC Offensive Player of the Week James Smith was held in check throughout. He finished scoreless for only the second time in his 23-game career, snapping a string of seven consecutive hat tricks in the process.

Hyde led the Cavs with 10 ground balls and was 15-for-18 in faceoffs. Tanner Reese recorded double-digit saves for the fifth time this season, finishing with 17 for the game. 

St. Gregory's (8-2) returns to NAIA play Sunday at No. 4 Ottawa (Kan.). Game time is set for noon.