William Paterson, the number one seed in the American Hockey College Association’s National Tournament, looked to clinch the first collegiate hockey title in New Jersey.

The team fell short of its goal, dropping two of three games and taking fourth in the Division Two national championship bracket in Simsbury, Connecticut.

The Pioneers dropped their first tournament game Wednesday, March 17 against Lindenwood University, 8-3. After a scoreless first period, Lindenwood University exploded for five goals in the second period to take the lead, 5-2. Dettrick Pierzinski led the charge with four goals in the win.

William Paterson dropped their second game the next day, 7-5, to the University of Maryland Baltimore Campus. UMBC scored three goals in the second and third period to defeat the Pioneers. Rob Durke finished with four points, including a hat trick, in the win for UMBC.

The Pioneers won their third game Friday, defeating Colorado State University, 5-4, in overtime. After taking a one goal lead in the third period, Colorado State tied the game on a goal by forward Mitch Hoover. Pioneers forward Robert Prezioso scored the game-winning goal at 7:40 of the overtime period for the win.

Three Pioneers tied for the team lead in goals scored during the three-day tournament. Ryan Mara, Justin Fortino and Prezioso all netted two goals for the Pioneers. Albert Campbell led the team in assists, and goalie Chris Bauer led in goals against average (6.04) and save percentage (.833).

The final season rankings have yet to be posted.