Written by Tyler Kuehl
 
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – After earning their first win in six games, the D3 hockey team looked ready for another battle with Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference (MCHC) opponent Indiana Tech. The Panthers were able to outlast the Warriors in Fort Wayne, and looked to do the same at home on Senior Night.
 
It was another tight battle between the two teams, as each team had chances throughout the opening two period. The Panthers would go up by two goals for the second night in a row with a pair goals from Aiden Dion. However, the Warriors would claw their way back to tie the game in the second period. Yet, the Panthers would prevail as their power play came in clutch late for what would be the game-winning goal.
 
QUICK STATS
 
Final Score: Davenport 3 – Indiana Tech 2
Shots: DU 26 | ITU 21
Power Play: DU (1/4) | ITU (1/2)
Records: DU (9-13, 7-11) | ITU (3-15-1, 2-14-1)
 
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
 
Dion is now second on the team in goals with 20 goals on the season. Hunter Tolsdorf assisted on both of Dion's goals, and Strauss earned his fourth win of the season making 19 saves in the game.
 
MIRROR IMAGE
 
Similar to Friday night, the game was close from the onset. Strauss and Tiffany had to be good again for their respective teams. The Panthers would strike first again after Tolsdorf streaked down the right wing side, and went behind the Warrior net. He then quickly fed a pass out in front to Dion who buried his 19^th of the season just passed the halfway mark of the period.
 
In the second period, it was as if the Warriors were seeing double as Tolsdorf brought the puck in the Indiana Tech zone down the left-wing, wrapped around the goal, and fed Dion in the slot for his second of the game, giving the Panthers a two-goal lead.
 
A WARRIORS' CRY
 
The cushion would not last long, as just over a minute later, Jordan Enselmoz got behind the defense and scored his first goal with Indiana Tech to bring the Warriors back within one. Late in the period, the Warriors would score a power play goal after Mason Oetting scored after a crazy scramble in front of the Davenport goal, setting up a tense third period.
 
POPPING THE BOTTLE
 
Tied at two in the third, neither team wanted to make a mistake. Tiffany and Strauss were doing everything they could to keep their team from falling behind. Then, a little passed the halfway mark of the period, DU would get a power play. Charlie Bonser would find a little room over the blocking arm of Tiffany, and he ripped a shot that sent the water bottle of the Warrior netminder flying. Bonser's 11^th of the season proved to be enough as Indiana Tech could not find the equalizer, and the Panthers would win by a final score of 3-2.
 
WHO'S NEXT?
 
The Panthers meet one of the best teams in the North Region, and another MCHC opponent in the Michigan State Spartans. MSU is currently 15-5-1 and ranked no. 4 in the region. The Panthers are 5-15 all-time against the Spartans, with Michigan State winning the last 12 meetings.
 
The home game for the Panthers will be at Kentwood Ice Arena on Friday the 31^st, scheduled puck drop is set for 9 p.m.