HERSHEY, Pa. – Sophomore
Cameron Croteau netted a goal for the Lebanon Valley College men's ice hockey team on Saturday, as the program dropped a close 2-1 game to Anna Maria College at Hersheypark Arena.
Lebanon Valley (2-4-0, 1-1-0 UCHC) delivered a strong effort against Anna Maria (4-2-0), as the squads went back and forth all afternoon. The AMCATS scored a goal in the first frame, but the Dutchmen responded by tying the game in the second. Anna Maria then went ahead with a goal in the third period, which proved to be the difference.
The AMCATS opened the scoring 7:50 into the game, taking a 1-0 lead on a power play goal by Braeden McKinnon. The Flying Dutchmen then attempted to tie the game through the remainder of the first period, as four players took shots on goal in the frame. Seniors
Blake Tosto and
Darion Benchich each attempted a pair of shots on goal during the first 20 minutes. Sophomore goaltender
Chris Branch also helped keep the opposition in check, making eight saves in the period.
Lebanon Valley then responded 4:52 into the second period, evening the score at 1-1. Croteau got the program on the board by sending a shot past the goaltender for a power play goal. Benchich and junior
Jordan Stear registered assists on the game-tying shot. LVC continued to generate offensive opportunities as the frame progressed, taking six more shots on goal. Branch also delivered a big performance in the second, maintaining the score by saving all 17 shots on goal that came his way. Despite these attempts, the programs entered the third period in a stalemate.
The AMCATS resumed the scoring 5:56 into the third period, taking a 2-1 advantage on another power play goal by McKinnon. The Dutchmen continued to battle during the remaining 14:04 of the contest, as Benchich, sophomore Brendan Yingling and first-year
Justin Davis took shots on goal during this span. Lebanon Valley was also productive on the defensive end during the final minutes, keeping the opposition off the board. Branch made 13 more saves in the third frame. Ultimately, Anna Maria preserved its lead through the end of the game.
Inside the Box Score
- Croteau scored his second goal of the season. The sophomore has registered five points this year.
- Benchich and Stear were credited with assists on Croteau's goal.
- Tosto led the squad with four shots on goal.
- Senior Jered Stevenson, Davis and Benchich each tallied three shots on goal.
- Stear led the Dutchmen with four blocked shots.
- Senior Mac Diver and junior Haralds Jirgens blocked three shots each.
- Branch recorded 38 saves during the contest.
Up Next
Lebanon Valley will return to action at 7 p.m. Wednesday, as the program will travel to take on Elmira College at the Murray Athletic Center (Ice Center) in Pine Valley, N.Y.
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