HERSHEY, Pa. ­­– Sophomores Troy Andrews and Reece McDonald scored their first career goals during the Lebanon Valley College men's ice hockey team's home opener, as the team dropped a 5-2 game to Anna Maria College on Friday at Hersheypark Arena. 

Lebanon Valley (2-3-0, 1-1-0 UCHC) battled against Anna Maria (3-2-0) all evening, giving a strong effort until the clock expired. The programs showcased stellar defense early in the contest, as neither team got on the board during the first period. The AMCATS scored twice during the second frame, while the Dutchmen also found the net. LVC added another tally in the third, but three more goals by Anna Maria proved to be the difference in the contest.

The programs went back and forth throughout the opening period, as both sides attempted to begin the scoring. Lebanon Valley was effective defensively through the frame, as sophomore goaltender Chris Branch saved all 12 shots that came his way. The Flying Dutchmen also attempted to get their offense rolling, as four different players took shots on goal. The squad's first attempt was taken just over five minutes into the game by Andrews. Despite these efforts by both teams, the game was scoreless entering the first intermission. 

Anna Maria opened the scoring 4:54 into the second period, taking a 1-0 lead on a goal by Bryden Sinclair. The AMCATS added another point 2:21 later, extending their advantage to 2-0 on a goal by Derek Raposo. The Dutchmen answered back with just over 10 minutes left in the frame, trimming their deficit to 2-1. Andrews got the program on the scoreboard by sending a shot past the goaltender, following assists by senior Jered Stevenson and sophomore Cameron Croteau. LVC's first goal of the night came during a power play. The squads would maintain this score through the end of the period. 

The programs battled defensively at the beginning of the third frame, as it remained a one-point contest through the first 10 minutes of the period. Anna Maria resumed the scoring 10:27 into the third, making it a 3-1 game on a goal by Guillaume Coulombe. The AMCATS tacked on another point 1:51 later, advancing the score to 4-1 on a goal by Matthew Byrne. 

Lebanon Valley continued to deliver a strong effort throughout the third, as the team found the net with 2:40 left to trim its deficit to 4-2. McDonald sent another power play goal into the net, following assists by Croteau and senior Blake Tosto. Anna Maria added another point with 1:08 to go, making it a 5-2 game on an empty net goal by Matthew Gilbert. This would stand as the final score. 

Inside the Box Score

• Andrews netted his first career goal during the second period.
• McDonald registered his first goal with LVC in the third frame. 
• Each goal by Lebanon Valley was scored during a power play. 
• Croteau was credited with assists on both of LVC's goals.
• Stevenson and Tosto also dished out assists. 
• The program took 40 shots on goal. 
• Junior Harris Blackwood led the Dutchmen with five shots. 
• Junior Haralds Jirgens and senior Mac Diver tied for the team-lead in blocked shots, recording four blocks each. 
• Branch made 34 saves. 

Up Next 
Lebanon Valley will return to action at 4 p.m. Saturday, as the program will take on Anna Maria again at Hersheypark Arena. 

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