MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia Wisconsin ACHA D2 men's hockey team defeated Marian, 3-2, in the first game for the Mequondulac Cup. This improves the Falcons win streak to seven and are currently 13-6 on the season and 6-1 in conference play.
 
The Sabres got on the board first score two goals, one in the first period and the other early in the second. The Falcons found relief nearly 28-minutes into the contest. Forward Caden Buenz (Elmhurst, Ill.) took control of the puck in the Falcons offensive zone, and got ready to set up a play behind the visitor's net. Buenz found senior McCarthy Clark (Chicago, Ill.) stationed right in front of the goal to tip it in and score.
 
Just 1:51 into the third period, Marian was called for interference as graduate student Garrett Wilderman (Waukesha, Wis.) tried to score on a breakaway. Wilderman was awarded a penalty shot. The graduate student faked-out the Sabers goalie to tie the game at two.
 
With nine-minute remaining CUW found the goal to take the advantage in the game. As Marian was getting ready for an offensive push from their defensive zone, a Saber lost control of the puck. The Falcons swiped it, sophomores Dominic Murano (Milwaukee, Wis.) and Michael Anderson (Mequon, Wis.) set up a shot with two quick passes. Junior Chuck Emme (Milwaukee, Wis.) took the chance, and score the game winning goal.
 
In goal for the Royal Blue and Grey was senior Austin Bartell (New Berlin, Wis.). Bartell finished with 25 saves, 11 of which game in the first 20 minutes of play.  Wilderman was there to help his goalie, blocking five shots. Defensemen freshman Jackson Lord (Mequon, Wis.) and sophomore Nolan O'Malley (Chicago, Ill.) finished with four blocked shots each.
 
The Falcons also held the advantage in faceoffs over the Sabers, winning 32-of-21. Graduate student Tommy Cassel (Grafton, Wis.) led the team, going 15-8.
 
CUW will travel north to Fond du Lac tomorrow for the series finale. Puck drop is slated for 7:45 p.m. at Blue Line Family Ice Center.