FOND DU LAC, Wis. — The Lawrence University men's hockey team battled back twice and kept the pressure on Marian University throughout Friday night's contest, but the Vikings came up just short in a 3-2 road setback at Blue Line Family Ice Center.
Marian opened the scoring at the 2:55 mark of the first period, giving the Sabres an early advantage. Lawrence responded just 52 seconds into the second period when Ethan Johnson found the back of the net to even the score. Miles McCue picked up the assist on Johnson's goal as the Vikings quickly erased the deficit.
The Sabres regained the lead later in the second period, but Lawrence continued to fight back. The Vikings found another equalizer early in the third when Roman Cherniak converted on the power play at the 2:46 mark. Ben Winkelmann and Robert Pizzey assisted on the goal, bringing Lawrence even at 2-2 and setting up a tense finish.
Marian answered once again, scoring at the 12:28 mark of the third period to reclaim the lead. Lawrence pushed for another equalizer during the closing minutes, looking to force extra time, but the Sabres held on to secure the one-goal victory.
Johnson led the Vikings offensively with a goal and an assist, while Cherniak added a goal of his own. McCue, Winkelmann and Pizzey each recorded an assist in the contest.
Lawrence generated plenty of offensive pressure, finishing with a commanding 29-18 advantage in shots. The Vikings put 12 shots on goal in the second period alone and continued to challenge the Marian defense throughout the night. Collin Lemanski finished with 15 saves in goal.
Despite twice battling back to even the score, Lawrence was unable to find the final equalizer in a hard-fought road contest.
