BIG RAPIDS, Mich. – Augustana hockey couldn't find the back of the net on Saturday night as Ferris State scored twice in the opening period and held firm defensively to earn a 2-0 victory at Ewigleben Ice Arena. Despite outshooting the Bulldogs 24-20, the Vikings were unable to capitalize on their offensive chances, dropping to 6-4-0 (3-3-0 CCHA) on the season.

Ferris State's offense struck quickly, finding the net twice within the first nine minutes of play. At 8:15, Riley Wallack opened the scoring, redirecting a feed from Tanner Rowe and Valtteri Piironen to make it 1-0. Less than a minute later, Max Itagaki extended the Bulldogs' lead to 2–0, finishing off assists from Gavin Best and Nic Belpedio. The Vikings were outshot 9-6 in the opening frame and faced one penalty when Hayden Hennen was called for roughing, but the penalty kill held firm.

Augustana pushed back in the middle frame, recording nine shots on goal and generating quality looks on their lone power play opportunity. The Vikings controlled stretches of play but couldn't solve FSU goaltender Martin Lundberg, who stopped every attempt, including a pair of chances from Hunter Bischoff and Owen Baumgartner in tight. 

The Vikings continued to pressure in the final period, outshooting the Bulldogs 9–4. Several grade-A chances came off the sticks of Tyler Hennen and Joey DelGreco, but Lundberg turned aside everything en route to a 24-save shutout, his first win of the season.

Game Moments

• Ferris State scored twice in the opening nine minutes to take an early 2–0 lead.
• Augustana outshot Ferris State 24–20.
• Josh Kotai stopped 18 of 20 shots in the net for Augustana. 
• Jacob Jastrzebski led the Vikings in the faceoff circle, winning 10 of 19 draws. 

Goals

• Wallack opened the scoring at 8:15 of the first period, assisted by Rowe and Piironen.
• Less than a minute later, Itagaki doubled the Bulldog advantage off helpers from Best and Belpedio.

Up Next
Augustana returns to Midco Arena on Saturday, Nov. 15, against St. Thomas. Puck drop is slated for 6:07 p.m.