The Penn State Icers split their second series in a row this past week, facing off against a strong Liberty team. Penn State comfortably won the first game, but they could not hold on to win game two.

In the first meeting on Thursday, the teams scored early and often. Chris Pronchik opened the scoring, but Liberty responded just two minutes later. Eric Steinour put the Icers ahead again, but Liberty tied it to finish the first period at 2-2. Penn State could not manage any goals in the second, and Liberty took advantage, meaning the Icers faced a third period deficit. This did not faze them, however, and they scored five times to win the  game 7-2. Tim O’Brien had a hat trick and Kurt Collins added the other two goals.

The play started much more slowly in game two on Friday. It took 15 minutes for Liberty to put one in the net. The Icers rebounded with two power play goals in the final minute to finish the first period up 2-1. O’Brien and Steinour were the goal-scorers. Penn State was not able to hold on to the lead for long, with Liberty tying the game up in the second minute of the second period. The teams remained tied until Liberty got the game-winning goal with only two minutes left to play to win 3-2.

With the split, the Icers are 7-2. Penn State now moves into their conference schedule with games against West Chester next week.

Upcoming schedule:

Friday: vs. West Chester, 9 p.m.
Saturday: at West Chester, 7:30 p.m.