Daniel Wright scored the only goal Colorado College would need early in the first half and Brian Graf recorded his second consecutive shutout as CC posted a 2-0 victory over Wittenberg University in the first game of the 2011 Bill Boddington Memorial Tournament on Saturday afternoon at Stewart Field.

“I’m absolutely delighted with the way we played,” head coach Horst Richardson said. “It was a visually pleasing experience. The crowd enjoyed it enormously. We developed a lot of chances. We just need to finish more of those chances.”

Wright chased down a long feed from Lorenzo Pozzolini, tipped the ball past goalkeeper Michael Lambeck and put a rolling shot into the center of the net for the first game-winning goal of his career.

Colorado College picked up an insurance goal with a little more than 24 minutes remaining in the game when Matt Fechter converted on the team’s first penalty kick of the season.

Graf tied his season high of six saves while extending in scoreless streak to 193:30. His best stop occurred in the 69th minute when he dove to his right to deny Brock Hicks on a drive toward from just outside the top of the box.

CC, which has allowed just three goals since the 4-3 overtime win against CU-Colorado Springs in the season opener, lowered its team goal-against average to 0.93.

“Brian Graf is physically strong and I think he’s firmly implanted back there,” Richardson said. “The defense has played very well regardless of who has been in goal.”

CC finished with a 20-13 advantage in total shots, while Wittenberg had a 7-5 edge in corner kicks.

Lambeck made four saves during 69 minutes in goal before giving way to David Rea.

CC improved to 3-1-2 overall and 2-0-2 at home. Colorado College had gone to overtime in its last four home games. Wittenberg slipped to 3-2-1.

“This was a solid win against a very good opponent,” Richardson said. “They had tied the No. 3 team in the country. We’re looking forward to Tuesday’s game against UC Santa Cruz.

The Boddington Tournament continues on Sunday when Wittenberg takes on UC Santa Cruz at 3 p.m. on Washburn Field. The tourney concludes on Tuesday when CC plays host to the Banana Slugs.

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