LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Adrian College ACHA Men's Division 1 hockey team traveled to Liberty University for a two-game series over the weekend. The No. 8 Bulldogs and No. 9 Flames split the series, with Adrian earning a 5-4 overtime victory in game one before Liberty responded with a 5-0 win in game two.
In the series opener, Luke Marley gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead midway through the first period. Liberty responded with back-to-back goals to take the lead after one. Marley struck again in the second period to tie the game, but the Flames answered to regain a 3-2 advantage. Liberty extended its lead early in the third period to make it 4-2, but Adrian rallied as Keegan DeCaluwe and Dylan Gajewski scored to even the contest and force overtime.
Just 18 seconds into the 3-on-3 overtime, Sebastian Smith found an opening and buried the game-winning goal to secure the victory for the Bulldogs.
Justin Jamer finished with two assists, while Gajewski added an assist for a two-point night. Peyton Trzaska started in goal for Adrian and made 30 saves in the win.
Game two proved more challenging for the Bulldogs, as they were unable to generate offense. Liberty scored twice in the first period, once in the second, and twice in the third to claim the 5-0 victory. Adrian held a 32-24 edge in shots on goal, and Trzaska finished with 27 saves.
The Bulldogs will return home for a non-conference matchup against the University of Toledo on Thursday, February 5, at 7:30 p.m. Prior to puck drop, Adrian College will honor its ACHA Men's Division 1 senior class.
