DAYTON, Ohio – A couple days after Davenport earned their first conference win, they traveled down to Ohio to play DII opponent University of Dayton. The Flyers came into the game 4-1 and ranked No. 4 in the Division II MCLA polls.
 
#13 Davenport vs. Dayton (Sunday, March 25)
Final Score: DU – 13 l Dayton – 12
Records: DU (7-1) l Dayton (4-2)
 
Davenport came into Southern Ohio hungry for another win, and they came out strong once again. Three goals in the first quarter gave the Panthers an early 3-0 lead after 15 minutes.
 
Head Coach Chris Esquivel knows starting on time is important for a team's success, "We always look to set the tempo at the start of the game. When we can create a faster paced game, I believe it favors us."
 
The second quarter featured much of the same. Davenport was able to put three more into the Dayton net. The Flyers were able to match the Panthers with three goals of their own before the end of the half. The Panthers finished the first 30 minutes with a 6-3 lead.
 
As the second half began, Davenport continued to score as they put in two more in the third quarter. However, Dayton was able to pick away at the Panther defense. Three Flyer shots were able to get past goaltender Jack Huffman and Davenport only led Dayton by two heading into the final quarter.
 
The fourth quarter featured an influx of scoring by the two teams. Davenport scored four goals, and it seemed like that would be enough to seal the deal. Dayton though came roaring back in the final 15 minutes with six goals, and the two teams headed into sudden-death overtime tied at 12.
 
Esquivel was rather discouraged with his team's second half performance for the second game in a row, "We need our team to play a full 60 minutes. We had some lapses in the final minutes with some untimely penalties."
 
Overtime started just the way the Panthers wanted with Jake Hodges winning the face-off and bringing it into Flyer territory. After the Panthers were able to set up their offense, Jarred Riley was able to fire one into the Flyer net to win the game for the Panthers.
 
Jarred Riley scored four total goals in the game. Bryan Larocque led the Panthers with three goals and three assists. Blake McDonald chipped in with two goals and an assist of his own.
 
Esquivel is pleased with the amount of scoring depth his team possesses, "Our offensive players work really hard in practice on their shooting and stick work. Having multiple options really allows us to get creative with our sets."
 
UP NEXT
Davenport has a couple days off before they take on longtime crosstown rival Grand Valley State. The Lakers will come into Wednesday's clash with a 3-1 record and ranked No. 5 in the MCLA DII polls. Davenport has a 9-6 record lifetime against GVSU. Face-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the DU Turf Field.

Story Credit: Tyler Kuehl