Fort Wayne, Ind. — With the conference postseason just over a week away, now is the time to elevate your game. The goal for the Saints is to be playing their best hockey, but standing in their way today was the No. 13-ranked team in the nation, Indiana Tech. AQ battled hard for all sixty minutes but fell in the first of a two-game series against the Warriors, losing 7-3.

No. 13 Indiana Tech 7, Aquinas 3

The Saints wasted no time making an impact, as Cooper Nienhuis scored just 27 seconds into the game to give AQ an early 1-0 lead. After the Warriors tied it up, Nicholas Refine put the Saints back on top, scoring just five minutes into the game. Coach Brandon Rozema's squad matched the intensity of one of the nation's top teams, and they did so on the road.

However, Indiana Tech responded with six of the next seven goals. The Saints managed to capitalize on a power-play opportunity early in the third period when Alex Johnson found the back of the net off an assist from Ben Cesario. Despite AQ's effort, the Warriors held on for the win.

Coach Brandon Rozema reflected on the game, saying, "I am very proud of our young team and our great start tonight, proud of the effort. Going up against a top team in the conference (and nation) is always a challenge, especially on the road. We saw glimpses of great hockey, and we are excited to play them again tomorrow."

The loss drops Aquinas to 9-20-3 overall and 8-10-2 in conference play, leaving their postseason schedule still uncertain.

By the Numbers

• Goal scorers for AQ: Nicholas Refine, Cooper Nienhuis, and Alex Johnson.
• Shots on Goal: Indiana Tech outshot Aquinas by a 2-1 margin (AQ 15, IT 30).
• Special Teams: AQ's penalty kill unit was perfect, stopping all five Indiana Tech power plays.

Up Next

With the regular season winding down, the Saints return to Southside Ice Arena to complete their home-and-home series with No. 13-ranked Indiana Tech. Puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m.