The number 14 nationally ranked University of Central Oklahoma split their series with newcomer and unranked Adrian College last weekend, losing Friday night but coming back strong to close the series with a victory 6-3.

Friday night the Bronchos had a difficult time finding the net as they were shutout against the Bulldogs from Michigan 1-0.  “While we had our chances for some of our players to come up big and put us on the board, we simply couldn’t finish”, said head coach, Craig McAlister.  Eric Jansen and Jason Thibodeau both had breakaway changes only to be denied by the Bulldog goalie.  The Bronchos looked sluggish til midway through the third period when they turned on the offensive pressure.  UCO swarmed the Adrian College zone eventually pulling their goalie, Justin Sgro to add an extra attacker, but couldn’t find the net as time ran out.

Saturday night started out just like the previous night, the Bronchos couldn’t find the net.  Adrian College scored twice on 8 first period shots before UCO would begin it’s comeback.  AJ Alfrey finally broke through the Bulldogs tough defense to give life the Bronchos as the first period ended.  After that it was all UCO, as the Bronchos poured on the pressure with goals from Greg Masters and AJ Alfrey to close out the second period 3-2.  UCO added three additional goals in the third period to make the score 6-3.  AJ Alfrey was credited with UCO’s first  hat trick of the season.  “We struggled mightly this weekend getting shots to the net.  Adrian College plays a collapsing defensive style in their zone and we continually hit their players with the puck”, McAlister said.  Eventually the shots finally took their toll as UCO outshot the Bulldogs 52-22.

Asked what the Bronchos needed to do to improve, McAlister said,  “Unfortunately, our defense is alittle banged up right now.  We are without two of our regulars, Casey Lehmann and Derek Martin.  All of our defenseman need to be healthy in order for us to be successful.  Other than that, our Powerplay needs to be executed better, but that is something we can continue to work on in practice.”

The Bronchos are on the road again this upcoming weekend as they head out to the desert to face the Arizona State Sun Devils.  The Bronchos are 1-1 all time against the Sun Devils and this marks the first time UCO has ventured into the Sun Devil ice den.