WARRIORS COME UP JUST SHY IN LOSSES TO CONCORDIA

The Warriors put up a fight in their two games against the Concordia Cardinals over the weekend, falling short in both games after formidable efforts in the first and second periods of each contest. Shaun Zatelli led the Warriors in scoring during the series with two goals, while goalies Nicholas Spognardi and Connor Maloney combined for 78 total saves in their outings. 

FIRST GAME - CONCORDIA AT RCU - 3-2

It was a back-and-forth affair for the first outing of the weekend, with the Cardinals striking first with a goal underneath the ten-minute mark of the first period. It took a few minutes for the Warriors to answer, but Cole Zalewski would tie the game in the final minute of the first with a goal assisted on by Kyle Banks and Jake Mullins.

The second period played out the same way, with the Cardinals scoring first to regain the lead. However, the Warriors instantly answered, with Mullins firing the puck to Zatelli for a tough goal just a minute and a half later. Spognardi and the defense came to play, with the keeper logging 16 saves in the period to keep the Cardinals from retaking the lead. The teams stayed neck-and-neck for 17 minutes of thrilling action in the third period. However, the Cardinals found a spot and scored a goal to win the game with just under three minutes remaining. 

SECOND GAME - RCU AT CONCORDIA - 2-6

The game script was similar in the second showing, with the Cardinals striking first on two goals in less than two minutes to start the first period. However, thanks to a short-handed opportunity, Zatelli continued his strong offensive weekend, scoring a goal to keep RCU in distance with under five minutes remaining in the first. After another goal by the Cardinals in the second period, Caden Pachota added to the Warriors' tally with a goal just a minute later. Maloney and the Warriors played strong defense throughout the period, holding the Cardinals to 11 shots and logging ten saves. 

Things opened up for the Cardinals in the third period, with the hosts scoring three goals to take a commanding lead over the Warriors. Despite a solid offensive effort to create shot opportunities, the Warriors wouldn't be able to overcome the scoring rally. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors take on the Aquinas Saints on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 for their second series of the season. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications