WWPA conference tournament: Air Force defeats Claremont, 14-6

Air Force is moving onto the semifinals of the WWPA championships after easily defeating Claremont 14-6. The Falcons offense came out strong as they lead 5-3 after one, and then led 9-3 at the half. The Falcons played an all around game and were in control once the scoring barrage came in the second quarter.

Air Force did convert all three penalty shots, but a concern is that they only had two other power play chances, both of which they failed to convert. They will need to force more ejections if they want to earn a bid to the NCAA tournament.

Cruz Smithson led Air Force's offense with five goals, and keeper Mike Fish played 27 minutes and had 14 saves, and even backup goalie Caleb Guarino played five minutes with four saves.

This was a nice warmup game before Air Force moves onto their semifinal match on Saturday afternoon. The Falcons will be facing No. 2 LMU at 3:15 p.m. MST.