FOND DU LAC, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin ACHA men's hockey team battled Marian on Saturday night in the latest chapter of the Mequondulac Cup rivalry. Despite a strong offensive effort and a 44-34 advantage in shots, the Falcons fell 4-3 as the Sabres retained the coveted cup.

The Sabres struck first in the opening period, capitalizing on a power-play opportunity to take an early 1-0 lead.

The Falcons wasted little time finding an answer of their own. Freshman Ryan Hogan (St. Louis, Mo.) brought the Blue and White back to even terms with a power-play goal. Sophomore Caden Buenz (Elmhurst, Ill.) collected an assist on the equalizer as the two rivals traded blows in the opening period.

After a scoreless second period, Marian came out firing in the third, striking twice in the early minutes to build a 3-1 advantage.

The Falcons refused to go quietly. Sophomore Jackson Lord (Mequon, Wis.) brought CUW back within striking distance when he found the back of the net off a feed from Hogan, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

The Sabres responded with another goal to restore their two-goal cushion, but the Falcons continued to apply pressure in search of a comeback.

With the teams skating four-on-four late in the third period, sophomore Dylan Pomillo (Oswego, Ill.) delivered a highlight-reel finish. Pomillo ripped a shot into the top shelf with 3:26 remaining in regulation to pull the Falcons within one at 4-3.

The Blue and White continued to push for the equalizer in the closing minutes, but Marian held on to retain the Mequondulac Cup.

The Falcons controlled the shot count with a 44-34 advantage, keeping the pressure on the Sabres throughout the rivalry contest.

Senior Austin Bartell (New Berlin, Wis.) finished with 30 saves between the pipes for Concordia Wisconsin.

The Falcons return to action on Friday when they take on Lake Superior State.