SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Omaha scored twice in the opening period and added insurance in the second and third to hand Augustana a 4-1 setback Saturday night at Midco Arena. The Vikings closed out the first half of their season with a record of 10-6-3. 

The Mavericks struck early at the 4:00 mark of the first period when Brett Hyland opened the scoring at even strength. Omaha doubled its lead later in the frame as Marcus Nguyen found the back of the net at 12:48, giving the visitors a 2-0 advantage after 20 minutes despite Augustana holding a 16-9 edge in shots.

Omaha extended the lead in the second period on the power play. Jeremy Loranger capitalized at 8:44, converting a man-advantage opportunity to push the score to 3-0. Augustana generated chances throughout the period but was unable to break through Dawson Cowan, who turned aside all shots he faced in the middle frame.

Loranger struck again early in the third period, scoring his second goal of the night at 7:11 to make it 4-0. Augustana avoided the shutout late in the contest as Leonid Bulgakov scored at 13:13, finishing a play set up by Easton Young and Cole Burtch.

The Vikings outshot Omaha 37-26 on the night, but Cowan finished with 36 saves to earn the win in goal. Josh Kotai made 22 saves for Augustana.

Game Moments

• Omaha scored twice in the opening period to take early control of the game.
• Loranger recorded two goals, including a power-play tally in the second period.
• Augustana outshot Omaha, 37-26.
• Dawson Cowan made 36 saves for the Mavericks.
• Bulgakov scored Augustana's lone goal in the third period.
• Omaha went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Augustana finished 0-for-6.

Goals

• Brett Hyland gave Omaha a 1-0 lead with an even-strength goal assisted by Jacob Guevin and Maxime Pellerin.
• Nguyen doubled the lead at even strength off assists from Luke Woodworth and Cameron Briere.
• Loranger scored on the power play to extend Omaha's advantage to 3-0.
• Loranger added his second of the night at even strength to make it 4-0.
• Bulgakov put Augustana on the board with an even-strength goal assisted by Young and Burtch.

Up Next
Augustana returns after the break with a non-conference home series against Colorado College on Jan. 2-3.