JANESVILLE, Wis. – The Beloit College Buccaneers exploded for three goals in the opening period tonight, but could not sustain the offensive momentum, eventually falling 6-3 to the University of Wisconsin-Superior at the Woodman's Sports & Convention Center.
Despite the loss, which moves Beloit to (2-7-1, 1-5-0 WIAC) on the season, the Buccaneers showed flashes of dominance early against a strong Yellowjackets team (7-5-1, 3-3-0 WIAC), capitalizing on transition opportunities and strong faceoff play.
Beloit controlled the narrative early, stunning the visitors with an efficient offensive display. Just under ten minutes into the game, Luke VanBaalen (Waterford, MI) opened the scoring for the Bucs, burying a feed from Zach Hutchinson (West Salem, WI) to make it 1-0.
The momentum stayed firmly with Beloit less than two minutes later. At the 11:07 mark, defenseman Sam Holy (Chicago, IL) found the back of the net, assisted by Trey Taylor (Abbotsford, BC) and Max Von Klinggraeff (Edina, MN) doubling the lead to 2-0.
Although UW-Superior responded with a power-play goal to cut the deficit, the Buccaneers punched back immediately. Hutchinson capped off his multi-point night at 14:29, restoring the two-goal cushion at 3-1 off a primary assist from Taylor. It was a high-flying period for Beloit, who seemed poised for an upset.
The tide turned in the second period as special teams and shot volume began to weigh on the Buccaneers. UW-Superior utilized a lethal power play to claw back into the game, scoring two man-advantage goals in the second frame.
The Yellowjackets outshot Beloit 18-3 in the second period, keeping the pressure on Beloit goaltender Anthony Zolezzi (Oswego, IL) Despite a heroic effort in the crease, the relentless UW-Superior attack eventually broke through, tying the game and taking a 4-3 lead with just seconds remaining in the second period.
Beloit was unable to find the equalizer in the third, as UW-Superior added an even-strength goal and an empty-netter to seal the 6-3 final.
The Buccaneers don't return to the ice until the new year. They will host the College of St. Scholastica on January 2nd. Game time is TBD.
