Hockey swept in Highway 41 Series

Jon Mays

The Lawrence University hockey team struggled both offensively and defensively over the weekend, and the result was a sweep by Marian in the Battle of Highway 41.

Marian started the scoring early in the series with Matt Williams’ first minute goal in the opening game, and the Sabres would not let up.

Marian (17-6-0, 14-4-0 MCHA) scored again in the second period, and then added three more goals in the final period to seal the game as a 5-0 victory. Aside from the poor defensive effort, the Vikings (11-11-1, 9-9-0 MCHA) also could never get anything going on offense.

The Vikings were outshot 59-32 in the contest, and were unable to get the puck past either of Marian’s two goalies, Justin DeMaa and Alex Bjerk.

The Viking offense came alive in the second game of the doubleheader, but Lawrence’s defeat still could not stop the potent Marian offense. The result was another lopsided defeat for the Vikings.

Lawrence scored first on Vince Vacketta’s first career goal, but Marian answered with five consecutive goals of their own, putting the game out of reach. Nate Scurfield also scored his first career goal for the Vikings to cut the lead to 5-2.

Scurfield’s goal was followed by a William Thoren goal, momentarily giving Lawrence hope, but it didn’t last long as the Sabres scored just 26 seconds later to push their lead to 6-3, which would stand as the final score.

The Vikings look to get back to their winning ways this weekend before heading into the MCHA playoffs. Lawrence faces Finlandia at home Friday and Saturday.