READING, Pa. ­­– Blake Tosto and Brenden Yingling netted goals for the Lebanon Valley College men's ice hockey team in a valiant effort, as the program dropped its final contest of the season 3-2 to Alvernia University on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the Body Zone Sports and Wellness Complex in Reading, Pennsylvania. 

The Golden Wolves got on the scoreboard 1:48 into the first period, taking a 1-0 lead on a goal by Jason Finan. The programs then proceeded to compete defensively for much of the frame, keeping it a one-point contest until there was just over a minute to go. Goaltender Chris Branch helped limit the opposition during the remainder of the frame, posting 16 saves for the Dutchmen in this stretch. The sophomore made three important saves within 17 seconds during the 13^th minute.

Lebanon Valley also worked to generate offensive opportunities throughout the period, as seven players sent the puck toward the net. Tosto was a key contributor to these efforts, registering four attempts through the first 20 minutes. The Flying Dutchmen scored with 1:03 remaining in the first frame, tying the contest at 1-1. Tosto got the offense rolling with a shot past the goaltender, courtesy of assists by Brock Stitley and Cade Helmer. 

Both programs dominated on the defensive end in the second period, keeping each other off the board. Branch was productive during the frame, saving all eight shots that came his way. Cameron Croteau made an impact for LVC as well, blocking a shot 18:06 into the second. Lebanon Valley also continued to create score chances as the period went on, as nine players combined for 12 shots on goal. Darion Benchich and Tosto each took a shot within six seconds during the 13^th minute. 

Alvernia resumed the scoring 3:54 into the third period, taking a 2-1 advantage on a goal by Christian Dahl. LVC then held the opposition to just three shots on goal over the next 5:18, with Branch making saves on each attempt. The Dutchmen answered back 9:35 into the frame, knotting up the contest against the Golden Wolves at 2-2. Yingling evened the score by sending the puck into the net, following an assist by Harris Blackwood. 

Alvernia responded 13:32 into the third period, going ahead 3-2 on a goal by Eli Rivers. Lebanon Valley kept battling through the remainder of the frame, as three more players sent shots toward the goaltender. Jered Stevenson took a shot with just over a minute to go in the contest. Branch also continued to deliver a strong effort, saving all three shots he faced in the final minutes. Ultimately, the score was maintained through the end of play. 

 Inside the Box Score

• Tosto netted his 13th goal of the season, marking the most for Lebanon Valley in the 2023-24 campaign. The senior took a season-high seven shots on goal and posted the game-high in faceoff victories, going 12-for-23. 
• Yingling scored his seventh goal of the winter. 
• Helmer dished out an assist on Tosto's goal, tallying his fifth point of the season.
• Stitley also assisted Tosto's goal, recording his first career point for the Dutchmen. 
• Blackwood was credited with an assist on Yingling's goal in the third period. 
• The Flying Dutchmen took 32 shots on goal. 
• Branch made 34 saves. 
• LVC blocked six shots during the contest.
• Croteau led the squad with a pair of blocks. 

The Dutchmen concluded the 2023-24 season with their strong effort against the Golden Wolves. 

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