Are we even surprised at this point? pic.twitter.com/JYuwijyiD6

— Dordt Defender Athletics (@dordtdefenders) January 27, 2024

The Defenders didn't in blow out fashion like we've been accustomed to seeing this season. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Defenders found themselves down early with a 2-0 hole in the second period. Zach Espenson scored to bring the game within one off an assist by Griffin Lennes.

The Blue Jays responded quickly and scored to go back up by two goals.

Zach Espenson scored for the Defenders again off of passes from Alex Espenson and Noah Wilmes. 

Griffin Lennes would find the net to tie the game and then take the lead with back to back goals, assisted by Zach Espenson, Ryler Schelle, Andrew Benson, and Ryler Schelle for a second time. Dordt would enter the second intermission wiht a 4-3 lead and their first lead of the game.

The third period would start with a goal scored by Bryce Swalve, assisted by Andrew Benson and Brady Espenson to make the score 5-3.

The Blue Jays would respond well with back to back goals to knot it up at 5 goals apiece.

Noah Wilmes would score the go-ahead goal which would prove to be the game winner. Wilmes was assisted by Andrew Benson and Jonah Weems.

Noah Wilmes would score an insurance goal late on a Blue Jay empty net to secure the 7-5 win. 

The Defenders end the season with an impressive 19-3-0 record, first place in the MD3 MACHA Silver Division, and with a 16 game win streak. This has been the best season under Coach Tyler Morgan.

More details regarding the ACHA National Tournament will be announced at a later date.