compliments of Tyler Kuehl

EAST LANSING, Mich. – The first CCLA game for #14 Davenport was going to be a difficult one. A dominant Michigan State team was waiting for the Panthers Friday night, and they certainly were not going to take their opponents lightly.
 
#14 Davenport vs. #4 Michigan State (Friday, March 16)
Final Score: Davenport-5 I Michigan State-12
Records: DU (5-1, 0-1) I MSU (8-0, 3-0)
 
The Spartans wasted little time against the Panthers, as MSU came out with five goals in the first quarter. Davenport was able to only get one past Spartan goaltender Kevin Boland.
 
Head Coach Chris Esquivel noted the Panthers wasted opportunities, "We had too many empty possessions. This led to transition opportunities for MSU, and they were able to capitalize on them."
 
The second quarter wasn't any more favorable to the Panthers, as Michigan State's offense continued their onslaught with three more goals in the second frame. DU once again could only get a single mark on the board. The Spartans had all the momentum heading into the half, leading Davenport 8-2.
 
As the third quarter began, the Panthers looked to turn the game in their favor. Davenport put two goals into the MSU net, as only one Spartan shot got past Jack Huffman. Down 9-4 heading into the final quarter, the Panther offense, who have shown the ability to score goals in huge waves, looked to make a dramatic comeback. However, three Michigan State goals in the final 15 minutes put the game well out of reach, and the Spartans would take the game with a 12-5 victory.
 
"MSU was able to [take advantage of] our sloppy play," Esquivel stated. "We did some things that were uncharacteristic of our play."
 
Coach Esquivel also noted that the team is anxious to get back to practice Monday, and prepare for their home opener Friday.
 
Dylan Riley and Bryan Larocque lead the DU offense once again, each scoring two goals for the Panthers.
 
Despite the loss, Esquivel was impressed with his team's work on the face-off dot, "MSU has one of the top face-off guys in the nation. Joe Lopez and Jake Hodges' play at the [dot], along with our wings, gave us an advantage.
 
UP NEXT
 
The Panthers finally come home as they take on CCLA opponent Western Michigan. The Broncos are currently 6-0, and play Pittsburgh Saturday, before heading up to Grand Rapids next Friday. The game is scheduled to start 7:30 p.m.