32 Sensational Larsson Saves Sink UND to Split with 2-1 Overtime Loss Against Denver

On By terpaneseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

(Photo Credit: Kelsey Lee-Violent Turtle Photography)

Coming into this one, UND knew what it needed to secure a sweep over the Denver Pioneers. They did not achieve their goal of a sweep in front of a nearly sold out crowd of 11,545 fans at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.  Denver used a strong first period and superb goaltending from Red Wings prospect Filip Larsson to take the series finale and secure a split. He finished saving 32 shots on the evening including multiple grade a chances for UND. In overtime he provided the spark for the Pioneers as he helped stop two shots. After the last chance for UND, Slava Demin for the Pioneers was able to find the stick of Jarid Lukosevicius in over time to tip it home for the winner.

The Fighting Hawks got more pucks on net more consistently, but could not find the winner, and were 21.2 seconds away from earning at least four out of six points against the Pioneers. Now the team has a chance to recoup and hopefully see the return of most of its injured players for the start second half of the regular season.

In the first period, Jaakko Heikkinen took a feed from Colin Staub who drew two defenders below the goal line out of position. Heikkinen found the perfect spot against UND netminder Adam Scheel to give Denver their first lead of the weekend a mere 70 seconds into the contest. That goal would be the only one from either side until late in the third period as Larsson held off UND in a strong second period. The Fighting Hawks got 16 shots on net in the second but could not find the back of the net. Shot wise, that was the best period for UND all weekend but they had nothing to show for it on the scoreboard.

In the third period, 17:25 in, Jacob Bernard-Docker found the back of the net for the only UND goal of the evening. He took a feed from Colton Poolman and fired one off a Denver defender and in to send the game to overtime.

Two Thoughts

For Now, Start Scheel 

This weekend, against the quality of opponent and on the big stage showed that Adam Scheel deserves a full weekend in net for the Fighting Hawks. Both him and Peter Thome have had highs and lows this season, yet Scheel has done his best work against the top teams on UND’s schedule so far. This is not to say either goalie should be handed the job exclusively, but Scheel’s game last night was impressive despite the final result. Games where goalies go long stretches without much work can be just as hard mentally as ones where they are peppered consistently.

GMC Line Should Stay In Business

This weekend, with UND shorthanded due to injuries, they showed, power of their team depth. The most impressive line of the weekend was the Gavin Hain-Mark Senden- Cole Smith forward group (the GMC Line). All of those players have seen increased minutes due to injuries up front for the Fighting Hawks. They all play a tough and physical game that feeds well off one another and are all responsible players in their own end. Their responsible play allowed Bernard-Docker to feel better about stepping into the rush to create the game-tying goal in the third period. Look for more opportunities for the GMC group to showcase their skills as the second half starts.

 

Fast Start Propels UND to 4-1 Friday Night Win over Denver Plus Thoughts on Series Finale

On By terpaneseIn Ice Hockey, Uncategorized, UNDLeave a comment

(Photo Credit: Kelsey Lee-Violent Turtle Photography)

Coming into this one, North Dakota had started to find a formula to play well in the NCHC, get a fast start and then follow that with stout defense. They got all of that with a 4-1 victory over the Denver Pioneers in front of 10,949 loud fans at the Ralph Engelstad Arena on Friday night.

Gavin Hain provided the fast start. On a Mark Senden contested faceoff win, Hain took the puck from his left wing spot, and walked in on Denver netminder Devin Cooley. with limited space, Hain was able to pull the puck to his backhand and open up just enough space to go glove side on the Denver netminder. 7:46 in to the first period, UND had their first lead of the night.

5:10 later, Hain’s line would strike again. This time, Senden would benefit from the play of his other wing, Cole Smith. Taking on multiple Pioneers, Smith fed an area pass to Senden in front of the net. Instantly he was able to convert the one-timer to make it a 2-0 Fighting Hawks lead.

That first period start, combined with UND goalie Adam Scheel making all seven saves in the second period on some better looks for the Pioneers gave UND a 2-0 lead heading into the third period. That effort, combined with a perfect penalty kill for the Fighting Hawks helped them to their lead.

A few minutes into the third, the Fighting Hawks would add to their lead. Nick Jones did yeoman-like work behind the net and created time and space to wire a superb pass to Matt Kiersted. The sophomore defender wired the 13th shot of the night past Cooley to provide UND a 3-0 lead. That margin would not remain all night as 9:29 into the third, Colin Staub fired in a Ryan Barrow feed from close in to make it a 3-1 game and give Denver their first goal of the weekend.

Finally, after a missed Brett Stapley penalty shot for Denver with 2:02 left, Colton Poolman would then provide the final margin with an empty net marker. Adam Scheel got the only assist on this goal. He finished the evening saving 21 of the 22 shots he faced.

Two Thoughts for the Series Finale 

Finish Strong 

UND needs to do a better job maintaining their pressure. In the third period, Denver outshot UND 9-2 with a goalie in net for the Pioneers. While UND did score on one of those shots, the pressure they build throughout the game needs to be consistent in the third period. If it wanes like that against more skilled teams like Denver, starting Saturday night, then the Fighting Hawks will risk losing hard-earned leads throughout the season.

Maintain Shot Quality 

UND needs to continue their pressure in the offensive zone. The Fighting Hawks were a lot more selective with their chances and it showed in their efficiency. They finished with three goals against Cooley on 14 shots. While they need to play a consistent game with 5-12 shots or more per period, they also did improve in the quality of their chances.

 

 

Fantastic Finale: Three Goal Third Sends UND to Series Sweep with 4-3 Saturday Night Victory Against Alaska Anchorage

On By terpaneseIn Ice Hockey, Uncategorized, UNDLeave a comment

(Photo Credit:Kelsey Lee-Violent Turtle Photography)

Coming into the series finale against Alaska Anchorage,  UND gained some experience dealing with being down multiple goals late in games. Often times, things did not go their way, like last Saturday against Western Michigan. The Fighting Hawks did learn some lessons in that one that they carried through to the series finale . Thanks to a three goal third period in front of 11,086 fans, they salvaged a series sweep against the Seawolves. with a 4-3 victory. Matt Kiersted opened up the scoring ledger in the third with a superb shot on a power play to bring UND within one goal. He took an expert feed from Jordan Kawaguchi who effortlessly weaved his way through multiple Seawolves to the middle of the ice to find the open Kiersted who deposited the first third period marker into the back of the net 8:05 into the final frame.

43 seconds later, UND tied things up on the power play as Rhett Gardner perfectly tipped home a Jacob Bernard-Docker point shot on the power play to tie things up. All of this happened within a few seconds of the penalty being assessed. Gardner added an even strength tally to provide the final margin of victory 41 seconds later.

Finally, UND held on in the third despite the Seawolves hitting the post with an extra attacker with a little over one minute remaining.

What enabled the Fighting Hawks to comeback in this one? Simplifying their game and activating their defense corps. The best example of this came on the two power play tallies. After winning faceoffs, UND made a change. Instead of their winger heading to the net they utilized the center a bit more in front of the net to force the issue. It paid off. On both tallies, UND benefited from an improved net front presence that dramatically improved the quality of each shot. They made Kristian Stead have to not only make grade-a saves consistently which he did throughout the first two periods, but have to do all of this unable to see the puck.

Stead kept the Seawolves in it and required the Fighting Hawks to adjust their game to have a chance. He finished with 32 saves on 36 shots on net and an assist on the first Seawolves goal on the evening.

Heading into UND’s next series against Minnesota Duluth, the Fighting Hawks still have some work to do. They have not played a full 60 minute game in some time this season, and everyone i agrees that is the next biggest step to take. The Bulldogs are defending national champions for a reason. They not only have the physical element in their game, but they also have high-skilled Riley Tufte and company who can bury the puck at will. How UND is able to start each game will determine their outcome. The Bulldogs have been consistently one of the best teams in the NCHC for many reasons, but the biggest one is their ability to recruit physical players like Tufte who possess a high skill ceiling to their game.

Bottom Seven Top UND 5-2 Friday Night Win Against Alaska Anchorage

On By terpaneseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

(Photo Credit: Kelsey Lee- Violent Turtle Photography)

In front of 11,155 loud fans at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, the Fighting Hawks needed a spark, and they needed one early.Like in previous games, they experienced adversity between fluky bounces and missed shots .In the first period, the narrative aroud the Fighting Hawks changed quite a bit. UND  came out strong and focused on playing an unselfish game. They consistently worked on getting pucks out of their own end and staying in the Seawolves’ end throughout the stanza. This paid off as multiple things went UND’s way. Joel Janatuinen was hauled down on a mini-breakaway after a superb feed from Gabe Bast sprung him for a great chance. This earned Janatuinen a penalty shot. He walked in 4:29 into the period against Seawolves’ netminder Kris Carlson and went low glove on him. The puck got past Carlson but hit the left post and went out.

We have seen opposing teams take advantage of missed chances from the Fighting Hawks this season. However, immediately after the penalty shot attempt, UND had other plans. Extra skater, Ludvig Hoff banged home a rebound on a Cole Smith shot from close in to give UND its first lead since its last win against Miami of Ohio on the road two weeks ago on Friday November 9.  Then in the second period, Grant Mismash wired home a nice power play marker seven seconds in from the high slot. Next, Jackson Keane deked out Carlson and waited him out to earn his first NCAA goal. After a slightly odd Seawolves goal from Nicolas Erb-Ekholm, Rhett Gardner chipped in another power play marker with a perfect tip from a Mismash shot pass. Nils Rygaard then added one more for the Seawolves firing one through the wickets of Hayden Shaw and past UND netminder Peter Thome. Casey Johnson provided the final margin of the night for UND 12:13 into the third period.

On the evening, we learned some things about UND. The Fighting Hawks finished with 39 shots on the evening. This team does a lot better when it simplifies its game, this was one of the issues last Saturday against Western Michigan. Tonight, UND was able to chip pucks out and minimize unneeded puck handling to limit odd turnovers. We also learned that both UND goalies could play any night. After the game, head coach Brad Berry noted the possibility of platooning both goalies, Thome and Adam Scheel, based on the body of work each submit.

It does not sound like a platoon based on days of the week, more a next man up earn the net type of platoon. Thome played a fine game making 20 saves, and did well considering how far apart the Seawolves’ early chances came.

UND knows how to win, they just need to replicate this formula Saturday night at the Ralph.

Now What? Three Thoughts on 6-2 UND Loss to Western Michigan

On By terpaneseIn Ice Hockey, Uncategorized, UND, UNDLeave a comment

Well, that happened. Last night at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, the University of North Dakota played arguably its worst game of the season as they lost a 6-2 NCHC conference matchup to the Western Michigan Broncos. The Fighting Hawks did get two more goals on this night than in the series opener Friday, however, Western Michigan scored six goals in between them to provide the final margin. After the game, the mood was obviously somber among the Fighting Hawks. Thankfully, UND has a home thanksgiving weekend non-conference series to prepare for this weekend against Alaska Anchorage. The Fighting Hawks will no doubt review every error from Saturday, and every close bounce from Friday as they look to change their fortunes against the Seawolves. Here are some thoughts on the weekend and what’s next for UND.

With Wade Allison Western Michigan Can Surprise Some People 

Western Michigan got its star winger back for the Saturday night affair, Wade Allison, and he made an impact right away. The Flyers’ prospect contributed a goal and an assist in the effort. He did skate limited minutes as the game went on and the margin was widened. However, on the power play, his shot for a goal was pitch perfect, and showed that with more time he can be even better. If the Broncos are able to keep him healthy and rested, they will sneak up on more teams like what they did to North Dakota on Saturday.

Platoon Possibilities in Net

Both of UND’s main goalies, Adam Scheel and Peter Thome, have had ups and downs this season. Scheel was the man in net for the five game win streak that accounted for all of UND’s wins so far this season. Thome had a good game Friday and a nice freshman season earning playing time as the main backup. If not for a fluky double deflection on Friday, Thome could have had a much better result. That said, I mentioned the Lakers solution to goaltending as an idea, at least for a little bit. Fighting Hawks’ Head Coach Brad Berry typically likes to find a starter and stick with them which normally makes sense. This year, to start, things have been a bit different. Both goalies have had highs and lows to their game, and both play a similar style. It could be a change of pace if each goalie knew that they had one game to prepare for each week, as UND has not utilized a pure platoon system in at least the past few years. This system can help the coaches play to the strengths of each goalie, and help both further develop their games faster. Goalies need ice time to develop. Seeing what each could do with an equal share of starts through the holiday break would be a change of pace that UND could use.

Improve the Power Play

The Fighting Hawks look their best on the power play when they get pucks and bodies to the net as fast and simply as  Jasper Weatherby’s goal on Saturday illustrated. He banged home a rebound on a Gabe Bast point shot to score the lone tally until the last minute of the third period in the finale. This power play stood out to me as a model for the rest of the season. If UND can simplify its game, and get more people to the front of the net, good things can and will happen. Weatherby’s size and ability to redirect pucks are superb, and despite his role as a center, it may be worth having him on the wing on a power play unit and clogging the goalie’s vision on future chances.

Once Nick Jones returns from his injury, having Weatherby play a wing position and playing on Rhett Gardner or Jones’ wing would immediately provide deeper depth to a power play that generates chances, but could stand to generate a few more high quality chances.

 

 

 

Double Deflection Does in Fighting Hawks in 2-0 Loss to Western Michigan: Three Thoughts

On By terpaneseIn Hockey, Ice Hockey, Uncategorized, UNDLeave a comment

(Photo Credit:Kelsey Lee- Violent Turtle Photography)

Coming into this one, both teams had some injury issues, and tonight North Dakota came out on the short end of things on the ice losing 2-0. The Fighting Hawks out shot the Broncos 32-19 but lost the game 2-0. Western Michigan goalie Trevor Gorsuch spun a 32 save shutout in the win. Peter Thome made 17 saves on 18 shots for UND.

The lone goal of the affair came on a double deflection in the third period 12:24 in as Josh Passolt deflected a Hugh McGing pass off the skate of Hayden Shaw and past Thome. Colt Conrad added an empty net marker a few minutes later to provide the final 2-0 margin for the Broncos. Of the 62 shot attempts for the Fighting Hawks, only 32 found their way to Gorsuch.

Despite having three power plays in the first, UND generated only eight shots on net during them combined. None of them found the back of the net. Western Michigan utilized an aggressive penalty kill and took away the time and space of the Fighting Hawks, especially on the points on special teams to limit good power play looks. UND actually lead the night in blocked shots with 18 (18-13) but Western Michigan’s aggressive defense limited quality looks and increased misses for the Fighting Hawks on the evening.

Read on to find out how UND can build on the opener to get a few more in the back of the net Saturday night.

Simplify

Whenever UND comes up short this seems to be a theme for the Fighting Hawks. UND needs to simplify its approach on special teams to generate more chances from high-quality scoring areas. As Western Michigan utilizes an aggressive penalty kill and system to limit quality chances, UND needs to find a way to capitalize on that system. One idea is generating a few more head-fakes and juke moves to open lanes. Think back to the Jacob Bernard-Docker overtime winner against Wisconsin. That patience and poise allowed him to make a nice move to open a lane and provide the final margin that night. That same ability to wait out an opponent did not manifest itself for UND as much on  Friday night at the Ralph.

Add Quality

If the Fighting Hawks finish the series finale with less shots reaching the net, but more goals, no one will be disappointing. The top line number of 32 shots on net was nice, but a lot of those chances as the game wore on were outside chances. It would be equivalent to a basketball team taking a lot of extra shots from beyond the three-point line but not connecting. If UND is able to find more chances down low utilizing the skills it has to mitigate the physical style of hockey the Broncos play, the result in the finale could be a bit different.

Patience

One of the things that impressed me when UND went on its  five game win streak was its patience. If shots did not open up right away, the Fighting Hawks made the extra pass and did not force the issue unnecessarily. That ability to be patient is one of the hallmarks of this team when it is rolling. So now, we patiently wait for game two of the series and see what the Fighting Hawks have in store on a Saturday night in Grand Forks.

 

 

 

Pick Six Propels UND Back Into Playoff Picture: Three Thoughts

On By terpaneseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

(Photo Credit: Russell Hons-FightingHawks.com)

Yesterday, in front of a loud group of Alerus Center fans, the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks were able to propel themselves back into the playoff picture with a 17-10 win over the Portland State University Vikings. This was a defensive game that featured multiple interceptions, including a game-breaking one from Lenny Nelson IV that sealed the victory for the Fighting Hawks. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Jaxson Turner was able to deflect a pass up for Nelson who took it and scampered 58 yards to the end zone for UND. The Fighting Hawks later tacked on a Brady Leach 19 yard field goal to provide the final margin of victory. Here are some thoughts on the win and what to look for next week.

Front Seven Wins Games

Throughout the season, we have seen this theme emerge again and again. Yesterday was no exception to this rule. The Fighting Hawks had five sacks yesterday, and could have had quite a few more. Portland State quarterback Davis Alexander was able to avoid pressures multiple times and capitalize on edges that collapsed in to find openings and escape for positive rushes multiple times.  That said, UND did a superb job generating pressure and forcing him to react quickly. Mason Bennett had 1.5 sacks yesterday to move within three sacks of the single season record shared by incumbent defensive coordinator Eric Schmidt and Wes Atkinson. How well UND can get off the ball next weekend and force the issue will go a long way to determining their fate this year.

Playoff Possibilities Pop Up 

Coming into yesterday, the Fighting Hawks’ playoff chances took a bit of a hit with their loss last weekend to Idaho. That said, they were able to do their part on the field and took advantage of a wacky day all around the FCS, especially in the Missouri Valley Conference that saw two teams (Western Illinois, and Northern Iowa) fall out of playoff contention with their fifth loses. That said, the Fighting Hawks need to win next week, and assume nothing. A few years ago a strong UND team with an FBS win was unable to get into the field despite a 7-4 record. All this team can do is finish strong against Northern Arizona and wait for their fate to be announced.

Shorthanded Offense 

Yesterday, UND was limited with what it could do in its passing game as multiple wide receivers (Izzy Adeoti, Garett Maag, and Travis Toivonen) did not play due to injuries. Their leading wide receiver yesterday, Noah Wanzek, only had 57 yards on five catches. Look for UND to utilize all of its running backs next week as they look to use them to be able to open up the passing game a bit more. How often UND throws will be largely contingent on what personnel they have. Should yesterday’s lineup play again, look for another classic run-heavy day to open up the passing game. Yesterday’s play calling combined with previous weeks has taken into account what UND has to work with.

All of these thoughts being taken into account, UND cannot focus on the national picture until they finish up next weekend. A loss to Northern Arizona will end the season of the Fighting Hawks. Winning next week keeps them in strong contention for a playoff spot. How this all shakes out will depend on what the front seven can do, how the offense can adapt, and what happens around the country next week. UND can control only the first two things, and not rely on the final fact to determine their playoff fate. Next week the Fighting Hawks’ season is on the line once again. Hopefully the regular season finale in Flagstaff can turnout fantastic for the Fighting Hawks.

Fighting Hawks Use Prodigious Patience to Sweep Wisconsin in Overtime

On By terpaneseIn Hockey, Ice Hockey, Uncategorized, UND10 Comments

(Photo Credit: Russ Hons-FightingHawks.com)

In front of a packed and loud loud Ralph Engelstad Arena, the University of North Dakota looked to be on their way to a tie as they were 0-8 on their power play chances. The Fighting Hawks were doing a lot of cross-seam passes and making multiple attempts to set up perfect chances. Luckily, they were able to buck that trend. In overtime, with one second left on a five-on-three power play, Jacob Bernard-Docker scored his second goal of his college career and on the weekend. The Senators’ prospect took a feed from Colton Poolman 21 seconds into the overtime frame. He was able to head fake a Wisconsin defender and force him to commit to a shot block one split second to soon. Bernard-Docker used his patience and then went on to bury a perfect wrist shot by Daniel Lebedeff and secure the 3-2 win and series sweep. On the evening, Lebedeff saved 32 shots for the Badgers compared to 21 for UND netminder Adam Scheel. He picked up his second win of the weekend for the Fighting Hawks and did so all in a game that featured a combined 30 penalty minutes, 11 power plays, and multiple stoppages to review potential major penalties.

The first big point in the game came a few minutes into the first. 2:29 into the first period, Wyatt Kalynuk took a cross checking penalty that could have turned into a major penalty. After review, it did not. A few seconds after UND’s second power play chance in the first five minutes went for naught, Wisconsin made them pay. Will Johnson took a feed from Seamus Malone and fired a deflected shot past Adam Scheel and into the back of the net for the first Badgers goal of the series. That would remain the score after the first period as UND was unable to capitalize on any of its four power plays. In eight minutes of power play time, the Fighting Hawks generated six shots on net. In the rest of the first frame at even strength they generated three shots on Badgers netminder Daniel Lebedeff.

In the second period, things changed a bit as the penalty sheet did not fill up as fast with only four penalties called in the second period, halving the total of the first period. Grant Mismash turned over a Wisconsin skater and walked right in to tie things up all by himself. He had a nice evening finishing plus one with the goal. In addition, his vision and patience, like Bernard-Docker, are fun to watch. Both are prime candidates to play for their respective national teams in the World Junior Championship this winter.

In the third, things opened up for both teams early on. 3:19 into the third, Tarek Baker potted his third marker of the season for the Badgers as he redirected a K’Andre Miller shot past Scheel. Wisconsin looked to secure the split after this. Nick Jones and Gabe Bast had other ideas. 30 seconds after the Baker marker, Jones received a perfect seam pass from Bast at the opposing blue line. Nick Jones went on to go five-hole past Lebedeff on the mini-breakaway and tie things up once again.On that play, both Bast and Jones praised each other for their efforts. Jones noted that those two had connected multiple times in similar fashion in their year as junior hockey teammates playing for the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League. That would be the margin until the overtime winner from Bernard-Docker. The Fighting Hawks head to Oxford, Ohio next weekend to open up their National Collegiate Hockey Conference Season against Miami of Ohio.Look for UND to vary their special teams approach to improve on their 1-9 power play showing.

While 1-9 on the power play is what no one wanted, they did learn something about themselves tonight. UND will play better, especially on special teams when they try to keep the puck on their stick a split second longer. By opening up lanes like Bernard-Docker did on both of his goals, they give themselves more time and space to get a better shot. This may mean lower total shot attempts, but the overall shooting percentage could go up. Despite all of their efforts tonight, Wisconsin did block 25 of UND’s 72 total shot attempts on the evening. Lowering that number as the year goes on will produce dividends quickly.After their road trip, the Fighting Hawks return home in two weeks to take on the Western Michigan Broncos.

Remarkable Rhett: Gardner’s Hat Trick Guides UND to 5-0 Friday Night Victory Against Wisconsin

On By terpaneseIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

(Photo Credit:Kelsey Lee-Violent Turtle Photography)

In front of 11,266 loud fans at the Ralph Engelstad Arena we were treated to a few things. This series has representatives of 13 NHL teams on the combined rosters. If you wanted to see the  potential future of the National Hockey league you could do a lot worse than turning on UND taking on Wisconsin. We also saw UND legend Jim Archibald take one final shift before the game as he came out to the blue line with the rest of the Fighting Hawks and skated around a bit to a loud ovation from all of those in attendance.

When the puck dropped we were treated to another chapter in the storied UND-Wisconsin rivalry. This one belonged exclusively to the Fighting Hawks. UND won this game 5-0 on a Rhett Gardner hat trick, Adam Scheel shutout, and all-around team effort.

With 16:31 left in the first period, Rhett Gardner opened up the scoring ledger for the Fighting Hawks on the weekend. With their first shot on goal he made no mistake. The Dallas Stars prospect took a perfect feed from Islanders prospect Colin Adams in the slot and wired one past Berry. Wisconsin almost came back on the next shift and scored, but the puck rolled along the goal line and out. This was the first major turning point of the game, and dramatically altered both teams’ fates.

With 6:43 left in the first period, Nick Jones looked to have the second goal of the evening for the Fighting Hawks as he appeared to have put one past Berry. However, the call on the ice was overturned after video review as the Badgers’ netminder did enough to cover the puck combined with incidental contact preventing him from playing his position. That did not deter the Fighting Hawks, They used the review time to stay together as a team and focus on their next goal. A few minutes later with 2:54 left in the first Nick Jones found Jacob Bernard-Docker. He then did the rest as he juked a Badgers defender, walked into the slot and wired a sensational wrist shot past Jack Berry to finally make it a 2-0 Fighting Hawks lead. That would be the margin after the first frame. That goal was reminiscent of UND program alum Christian Wolanin, who like Bernard-Docker was also drafted by the Ottawa Senators.

That margin would not remain the same for long as 29 seconds into the second, Gardner buried his second salvo of the night on a nice wrist shot from Berry’s blocker side.  A little over ten minutes later Colton Poolman found the back of the net as his shot from just inside the left point went in off a Wisconsin skate just in front of the goal line.

In the third period, Gardner completed the hat trick as he sent home a superb shot from the top of the slot to make it a 5-0 game. Scheel and the UND defense did the rest, holding Wisconsin off the board to preserve the shutout. In this game, Berry played the first 32:49 in net for the Badgers giving up four goals on 15 shots. Daniel Lebedeff played the final 27:11 and gave up Gardner’s third goal as his only blemish on his record. Lebedeff faced eight UND shots in his relief role. For UND, Scheel saved all 24 shots faced over a full 60 minutes of work.

UND will need to maintain this level of excellence if they want to come anywhere close to replicating this result again the rest of the year. This team’s motto is zero. Every day they start over and look to build up the best game they can. Saturday night is now no different. The Badgers are still quite capable of making Saturday a much more close game than the opener. Look for another epic chapter in this long historic rivalry to take place Saturday night at the Ralph.

Astounding Ahrens and Fantastic Flores Pace Four Set UND Win

On By terpaneseIn Uncategorized, volleyballLeave a comment

(Photo Credit: Russ Hons-FightingHawks.com)

Coming into their second to last home game, UND needed to find some consistency. They were unable to do so in the first set as a 1-23 Western Illinois side was able to come in and take the first set 25-21. They did so with with 15 kills and capitalizing on six attack and two service errors.That said, the rest of the match played out quite a bit differently as UND went on to win this key conference match in four sets (21-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-23).

After the 25-21 first set loss, UND needed to adjust. The Fighting Hawks were able to dramatically improve their team hitting in the second set to even things up in the second as they flipped the score to a 25-21 set two win. Through two sets, the teams evened things out a bit as they both finished set two with ten attack errors apiece. Throughout the first few sets both teams had stars emerge. Shia Sanders for the Leathernecks paced them with 15 kills on the evening , and Lexi Ahrens paced UND. Both of them were the most efficient players for their teams with multiple kills, and both were able to limit their errors. On the night Ahrens finished with 13 kills on 21 swings including a mere two attack errors for the Fighting Hawks.

Set three looked identical from a hitting perspective for UND. The Fighting Hawks were able to rack up 16 kills on 33 swings again combined with only four attack errors to take the third set 25-17. Finally, in the fourth set the Leathernecks fought back but UND was able to hang on despite 11 attack errors and wrap up the match with a 25-23 fourth set win. In addition to Ahrens, credit Taliyah Flores tonight. The normal back-row player for UND played a more offensive role tonight and played a superb game. She finished with 11 kills on 25 swings with a mere three attack errors and 7 digs. She was able to fill gaps in UND’s lineup created by injury and, along with Ahrens showed how much their games have developed in their first season for UND.

On senior night, where UND’s three seniors were honored, two freshman stole the show. The Fighting Hawks will look to make large steps to a Summit League Tournament appearance this Saturday in their home finale against Purdue Fort Wayne. If this team can play a consistent match and lower their errors a bit, they can as they have in the past, compete with anyone in this conference. Saturday morning will go a long way to determining UND’s postseason fate.