The Dordt Defenders battled back from an early deficit and stayed within striking distance throughout, but a strong second period and early third-period goal by Nebraska-Omaha proved to be the difference in a 6-4 loss on Wednesday at Maryville University Hockey Center. The game was the first of pool play in the ACHA Division III National Championship for both teams.
Box Score
Nebraska-Omaha opened the scoring just 2:40 into the contest, but Dordt answered midway through the first period when Isaac Baart found the net at the 13:12 mark to even the score. Nebraska-Omaha regained the lead less than two minutes later before Baart struck again late in the period, scoring his second goal of the night with 1:01 remaining to send the teams into the first intermission tied 2-2.
The Mavericks seized control early in the second period with goals at 1:11 and 7:07 to build a 4-2 advantage. Dordt responded with a goal from Zach Espenson at 11:17 to cut the deficit to one, but Nebraska-Omaha answered again at 14:36 to take a 5-3 lead into the third period.
Nebraska-Omaha added an important insurance goal just 59 seconds into the final frame, extending the lead to 6-3. Dordt continued to push and got a goal from Mason Spejcher at 7:39, but the Defenders were unable to close the gap further in the final minutes.
Dordt finished with a 38-34 shots-on-goal advantage, but Nebraska-Omaha capitalized on key scoring opportunities. Tim Nanson recorded 38 saves for Dordt, while Nahuel Veyan made 34 saves for Nebraska-Omaha.
Dordt is 0-1 in pool play and will face Purdue on Thursday, March 19 and will finish pool play on Friday, March 20.
Team Stats
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Goals: Dordt 4 / Nebraska-Omaha 6
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Shots on Goal: Dordt 38 / Nebraska-Omaha 44
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Power Plays: Dordt 0-2 / Nebraska-Omaha 0-3
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Saves: Dordt 38 / Nebraska-Omaha 34
Dordt Goal Scorers
