ADRIAN, Mich. -- Lawrence University saw its season come to an end Saturday night with a 3-2 loss to the Milwaukee School of Engineering in the Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association semifinals at Arrington Ice Arena.
MSOE (15-11-2) advances to play host Adrian College in the Harris Cup final on Sunday afternoon. Lawrence (16-11-1) finishes its season after its best ever regular-season finish (second place), and the Vikings set a school season record for victories (16).
MSOE got on the board first, when Ryno Linder scored at the 13:43 mark of the first period. The Raiders took a 1-0 lead into the first intermission.
Lawrence tied it early in the second period after MSOE's Kyle Ostapina got sent off for hooking. The Vikings took advantage of the power play, with Ben DiMarco scoring at the 2:36 mark to tie the game at 1-1.
Senior forward Nick Jennette picked up an assist on DiMarco's goal and finished his career with 103 points to tie Ryan Blick for the school record.
It didn't take MSOE long to get the lead back, with Michael Soik scoring an even-strength goal just 45 seconds later to give the Raiders a 2-1 edge.
MSOE increased the lead to 3-1 just 25 seconds into the third period when Steve Smiddy scored his ninth goal of the season.
The Vikings battled back and cut the lead to 3-2 when Mark Howe scored with 7:24 remaining. MSOE buckled down from that point and allowed Lawrence only two more shots on goal the rest of the way.
Lawrence enjoyed a 24-22 advantage in shots, and Connor Toomey made 22 saves to pick up the win. Evan Johnson made 19 saves and took the loss.