LYNCHBURG, VA – The University of Mary win streak grew to 29 on an overtime goal by
Seth Cushing as the visiting Marauders edged Liberty University 1-0 in a meeting between two of the preeminent ACHA M2 programs.
A second straight overtime game between the Marauders and the Flames, Saturday's meeting is the only one that counts this weekend. Friday's game at Liberty was declared a forfeit for the homestanding Flames. In a decision announced by ACHA Commissioner Jon Eccles, Liberty forfeited the game and neither team is credited with a win, loss or tie.
UMary protested Friday's game at Liberty University. At issue was the use of a Flames skater taking a second attempt in the shootout prior to having the complete roster attempt a penalty shot before repeating skaters. The Marauders and Flames concluded regulation and overtime tied 2-2 before Liberty won the shootout 2-1 but used an ineligible skater in doing so.
With the win streak intact and Friday's game now no more than an exhibition, the Marauders and Flames took to the ice in a game dominated by the netminders.
Conan Hayton posted 25 saves on the night. He made seven in the opening period, ten in the middle session and seven in the third. He was only challenged once in overtime and thwarted the Flames scoring chance.
Lane Skon was just as stellar in net for the Flames, matching Hayton save for save. Skon turned away the first 31 shots he faced in the game before UMary finally solved him in overtime.
With time running out in overtime,
Tanner Eskro carried the puck into the Marauders offensive zone. Cushing picked up the puck and sent a pass from the left circle to
Drew Lenertz in the right circle. Cushing then crashed the slot and received a perfect pass from Lenertz. After his first swat at the puck missed, a second whack by Cushing in the crease found the back of the net for another dramatic win.
This is UMary's second overtime victory out of nine this season and another went to a shootout.
Both teams had several power play opportunities but couldn't connect. UMary was 0-for-4 and Liberty had five opportunities.
The Marauders return home for a three-game series Homecoming weekend. UMary hosts Lindenwood on October 21-22 and Utah State on October 23.
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