The Defender hockey team defeated the Washington University Bears in the first round of the MACHA playoffs with a 5-2 decision. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Defenders fell behind after five minutes of play after Brock Wrisberg netted the first goal of the game. The Defenders answered back with 8:13 left in the first period after Mason Spejcher scored, assisted by Christopher Janssen and Noah Wilmes. The game would be tied at one going into the first intermission.

Dordt took the lead in the second period after Reuben Horneman scored off assists from Mason Carrels and Rylan Veenstra with 6:17 left in the second period. Lucas Van Berkel added the to the lead and scored the game winner with 3:26 left in the period. Van Berkel was assisted by Noah Wilmes and Christopher Janssen. Dordt took a 3-1 lead into the final period.

Washington's Nate Miller cut into the lead with a goal just five minutes into the period. Miller was assisted by Theodre Elfenbein and Patrick Bartz. The Defenders secured the win with two straight Zach Espenson, unassisted goals. 

Isaiah Van Noord secured 40 saves on 42 shots. 

Dordt will play Maryville at 8:15 pm on Saturday, February 22.