WARRIORS FALL TO COUGARS IN TWO-GAME WEEKEND

The Warriors fell behind in their two matchups over the weekend against the Cleary Cougars, unable to overcome early rallies by the Cougars. Four different players scored goals in the two games, including three goals in the weekend's first matchup. 

FIRST GAME - RCU AT CLEARY - 3-9

The Warriors found themselves in a tough position in the first period of this contest. The Cougars developed a four-goal lead in the first twenty minutes, including a goal on a power play by the Cougars' Billy Simms at the 8:54 mark. The Cougars shot 16 attempts to the Warriors' nine. The Warriors had four of those attempts occur at the 16-minute mark, but all of those attempts were saved. 

After two more goals by the Cougars in the second period, the Warriors got their first score from Jake Mullins, who capitalized on a power play thanks to a great look from forward Kyle Banks. The Warriors played strong defense for the remainder of the period, not allowing much offensive production from the Cougars. Cleary adjusted to begin the third period, scoring three goals. However, the Warriors got some positive momentum from Connor Fredericks-Stebbins and Griffin Hernalsteen, who scored contested goals to give RCU some positives heading out of the match. 

SECOND GAME - CLEARY AT RCU - 9-1

The first period of the weekend's second match was a much closer one, with the teams trading goals during the period. After a goal 23 seconds in by the Cougars from forward Zane Rydel, RCU's Kyle Hauer made sure to answer with a well-timed goal to tie things at 1-1 with 14 to go in the first period. The Warriors out-shot the Cougars 12-10 in the period, but Cleary capitalized on a second goal with six minutes remaining. 

The shot distribution was knotted up at 15 in the second period, but the Warriors just couldn't respond to the Cougars' efficiency, with Cleary scoring four goals in the period, including three goals in three minutes midway through the second. The Cougars added another goal to wrap up the period, and tacked on three more in the game's final 20 to end the game. 

UP NEXT

RCU takes a month-long break before going on an exciting road contest, traveling to Eugene, Ore., to face the Oregon Ducks club team on Jan. 10 and Jan. 11. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson - StudioLens.Han