LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The University of Dubuque men's hockey team traveled to Lake Forest College for a road NCHA series on Friday night. Despite a late rally, the Spartans dropped the series opener 6-4.

Lake Forest scored three times in the first period, but early in the second period, Jack Paweski scored off passes from Gavin Lissebeck and Matt Downie to cut the deficit to two. The Foresters scored again before the intermission, holding a 4-1 lead after two periods. After a quick Foresters goal, Zach Cline broke away and scored an unassisted short-handed goal to make the score 5-2. The Foresters extended their lead once again, but Zak Wentworth would add a goal to cut the deficit back to three. Cline would net his second goal of the night with a minute left as the Spartans fell 6-4.

Cline led the Spartans with five shots, converting twice. Wentworth and Paweski also scored goals in the contest. Zach Burfoot and Nikita Borodaenko took four shots in the match, and Borodaenko won eight face-offs. Lissebeck led the Spartans with four blocked shots. In goal, Dazza Mitchell made 30 saves.

Up Next

The Spartans will clash with the Foresters in the series finale tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.