Hard Work Leads Ventures to First Mercy-Rule Victory

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. - Michael Ruzycki scored three goals as Bishop Foley Catholic defeated Austin Catholic 8-0 on Friday night, securing the Ventures’ first victory completed under the mercy rule. Bishop Foley’s eight-goal advantage brought the match to an early conclusion and marked a milestone for the program.

Ruzycki, wearing No. 23, led the attack with six total points. His hat trick accounted for three of Bishop Foley’s eight goals and helped the Ventures steadily build the decisive margin against the Crusaders. No assist totals or additional goal scorers were available.

Bishop Foley also delivered a complete performance at the defensive end. Goalkeeper Zachary Niphoratos recorded the shutout, keeping Austin Catholic off the scoreboard while the Ventures’ attack continued to add to its lead. The clean sheet complemented Bishop Foley’s highest-impact offensive performance of the match.

The match began at 7 p.m. under clear skies in Madison Heights, with the temperature at 73 degrees. Bishop Foley controlled the final scoreline from both ends of the field, combining Ruzycki’s three-goal outing with Niphoratos’ work in goal to produce the 8-0 result.

Beyond the lopsided score, the mercy-rule finish gave the Ventures a program first. Bishop Foley left the field with an eight-goal victory, a shutout and a milestone result highlighted by Ruzycki’s hat trick.