No. 17 Warriors Split Series with Colorado on Home Ice

FREMONT, Neb. – No. 17-ranked Midland University split a two-game series with the University of Colorado this weekend at Sidner Ice Arena. The Warriors took the opener on Friday night, 3-2, before falling in the finale on Saturday, 4-2.

FRIDAY: Midland 3, Colorado 2

Midland capitalized on a strong start to secure a narrow victory in the series opener. The Warriors struck early, with Tommy Babb finding the net just over four minutes into the first period off an assist from Karl Grafelman. Grafelman doubled the lead later in the frame, scoring on assists from Zak Justice and Babb to make it 2-0 at the first intermission.

Colorado battled back, cutting the deficit in the second period and tying the game at 2-2 with a shorthanded goal early in the third. However, Midland's Lasse Richert delivered the decisive blow with 4:05 remaining in regulation, netting the game-winner on a pass from Hugo Lukacovic.

Liam Tereposky made 28 saves to earn the win, as Midland narrowly outshot Colorado, 36-30.

SATURDAY: Colorado 4, Midland 2 (EN)

The Buffaloes rebounded in the series finale, overcoming a strong offensive showing by the Warriors. Colorado opened the scoring early in the first period, but Francesco Cecchetto answered with his first goal for Midland, assisted by Hugo Lukacovic, to level the game at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

The Buffaloes reclaimed the lead in the second period with a shorthanded goal, followed by an even-strength tally to take a 3-1 advantage. Midland responded in the third, as Karl Grafelman scored on the power play at 14:47 with an assist from Tommy Babb. However, Colorado sealed the win with an empty-net goal late in the game.

Despite outshooting Colorado 50-19, Midland couldn't capitalize on late power-play opportunities. The game turned contentious in the final minutes, with the Buffaloes racking up multiple penalties and disqualifications, but the Warriors maintained their composure

Midland's Elijah Marchese recorded 15 saves in the loss, while Colorado's goaltender weathered the Warriors' offensive barrage.

Midland (9-11-1) will have next week off for the Thanksgiving holiday before hitting the road. The Warriors will travel to take on No. 25 Missouri State (8-10-0) on December 6-7 in Springfield, Mo.