NEW KENSINGTON — When the Knoch hockey team met Sewickley Academy two months ago, the Knights rolled to a 10-3 victory.

Knoch coach Richard Justice didn't expect it to be easy this time around, but the end result was still the same, only this time by a 3-1 score at the Valley Sports Center Monday.

The win guaranteed the Knights (11-8-1) a winning record as they wrap up the regular season Friday against Westmont Hilltop before the start of the PIHLClass A playoffs.

"The last time we played them, it was just one of those games where you break out," said Justice, who went 8-13-1 in his first season last year.

"We haven't had one of those since. That was then. This was more of a game I expected," he added.

Knoch jumped on the board first when Neal Donnelly gathered a pass on a breakaway and scored a shorthanded goal with 7:48 left in the first period.

R.J. Sepich doubled the lead when he tallied a goal 1:43 later in the top right corner of the net to stake the Knights to the early 2-0 lead.

"It's always better to play with the lead than not," said Justice. "We've been behind in the same situation and came back. We've never quit all year."

Knoch opened a 3-0 advantage with 12:28 left in the second period when Shane Donnelly lit the lamp and the Knights took control.

Knoch goalie Ryan Naples was on top of his game, making 23 saves on 24 shots by Sewickley Academy while James Compliment kept the Knights from pulling away by making 20 saves.

"The kids are learning the system, learning where to be at certain times and what we need to do this time of year," said Justice.

"I'm pleased. They deserve it. It's a long season. We started in July and now it's the end of February, ready to go into March. There's no other season like it," he added.

Sewickley Academy scored with 2:55 remaining in the third period when Dan Sponseller fired a shot past Naples to prevent the shutout.

Knoch will now look to Friday's 9 p.m. home game, which will affect the team's playoff seeding.

"Our records are the same and it's a game for position in the playoffs," said Justice. "It's an important game.

"Hopefully, the guys will pick it up as a playoff game. That's the attitude we have. The playoffs are here now,"Justice added.

Notes: Knoch improved to 6-3 at home and is 9-5 in its past 14 games. Knoch began the season at 2-3 with all three losses decided by one goal. ...After a 3-3 start, Sweickley Academylost its 14 of the past 15 decisions to wrap up the season at 4-17. ... Knoch was 0-for-4 on the power play; Sewickley Academy 0-for-3.