MARQUETTE, Mich. — Davenport closed out the regular season Friday in a back-and-forth battle with Northern Michigan, as
Kevin Hubbell scored twice to give the Panthers the lead on two occasions before the Wildcats rallied for a 3-2 victory. Davenport's offense generated 11 first-half shots, but Northern Michigan found the deciding goal in the second half to close out the match.
The Panthers came out aggressively, recording six shots and three corner kicks in the opening 14:05. That pressure paid off at 15:18, when Hubbell opened the scoring off assists from Ethan Engle and Archie Oliver. Northern Michigan answered at 23:47, but Davenport regained the advantage at 32:32 as Hubbell found the net for a second time, finishing a play set up by Oliver and Drew Matyunas. The Wildcats struck again at 42:16, sending both teams into halftime tied 2-2 after an eventful opening 45 minutes.
Davenport looked to reclaim the lead after the break, but Northern Michigan found the breakthrough at 71:14. Luca Rosen finished a Julius Lemm assist to put the Wildcats ahead 3-2, setting up a late push from the Panthers as they searched for another equalizer.
Carter McGowan helped keep Davenport within striking distance with four second-half saves, including two after the go-ahead goal. The Panthers continued to press in the closing minutes, earning a corner kick and creating opportunities through shots from Jayden Chico and Dugan Black. Despite the late push, Davenport could not find the equalizer as Northern Michigan held on for the victory.
Hubbell finished with a season-high two goals and led Davenport with seven shots, including three on target. Oliver recorded a season-best two assists, while McGowan played all 90 minutes and made nine saves. With the regular season complete, Davenport now turns its attention to the GLIAC postseason tournament as the Panthers prepare to continue their season in conference tournament play.
