Freshman forward Aaron O'Neill had a goal and assist but the Lake Forest College men's hockey team was defeated 4-2 at Saint Mary's University on Saturday.
O'Neill accounted for the only score of the opening period. His third goal of the year came at the 5:51 mark and was assisted by junior forwards Cofy Guidorzi and Bron Loiselle.
After the home team tied the score just 36 seconds into the second, the Foresters regained the lead midway through the period. The power play goal was the first score this season for junior defenseman Ryan Krussm, who was assisted by O'Neill and sophomore defenseman Connor Duncan.
Saint Mary's tied the game again with 3:46 remaining in the second period, which ended with the teams still knotted at two goals apiece.
The Cardinals finally broke through with what proved to be the game-winner with just 1:43 to play in the third period. The Foresters pulled freshman goaltender Boyd DiClemente 35 seconds later but were unable to tie the score. With time running down Saint Mary's added an empty net goal to seal the victory.
DiClemente stopped 36 of 39 shots on goal for a .925 save percentage in his collegiate debut. Sixteen of his save came in a scoreless first period and he made 14 more in the third.
Lake Forest is now 6-3-0 and Saint Mary's 3-6-1 on the season.
The Foresters will resume Northern Collegiate Hockey Association play next weekend. The team will play at Milwaukee School of Engineering Friday night at 7:05 before hosting Concordia University Wisconsin Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
