Bowling Green, OH – with a season that’s had its share of signature wins, there probably won’t be a bigger pair than the Falcons’ sweep of third-ranked Minnesota State this weekend. Bowling Green finished the sweep with a 4-1 win Saturday night.

Mathias Israelsson had six saves on nine shots for the Mavericks before being pulled for Dryden McKay at 3:36 of the second period. Dryden McKay had 17 saves on 18 Falcon shots in relief. Ryan Bednard had 22 stops on 23 opportunities for the Falcons.

First Period

The Falcons took a 1-0 lead at 16:27 of the first period. Sam Craggs passed to This Theocharidis’ wrist shot from the point beat Israelsson through traffic for his third goal of the season.

The lead was pushed to 2-0 at 17:57 of the opening frame thanks to Lukas Craggs. Brandon Kruse broke Craggs free in the neutral zone who skated in on Israelsson. Craggs went forehand to backhand and sent the puck under Israelsson’s five-hole for his team-leading 11th goal of the season.

Both teams challenged the opposing goaltender eight times in the

Second Period

Bowling Green extended their lead to 3-0 at 3:36 of the second period. Lukas Craggs skated in on Israelsson and ripped a wrist shot on the near side, beating Israelsson for his 12th goal of the season and second of the game. The goal was assisted by Max Johnson and Will Cullen.

After the Falcons’ third goal Israelsson was pulled for Dryden McKay.

The Mavericks broke Bednard’s shutout with a goal from Connor Mackey on the power play.

Bowling Green stopped any potential momentum with a goal at 18:46. Taylor Schneider scored on the short side with a wrist shot for the 4-1 lead and Schneider’s fourth goal of the season.

The Mavericks had 11 shots in the second period while the Falcons had nine chances.

Third Period

The Falcons held off the Mavericks’ in the third period to seal the 4-1 win.

Bowling Green had ten shots in the final period while Minnesota State had four chances.

The Falcons’ record improves to 13-3-3, 8-2-2-2 on the season. The Mavericks’ fall to 14-4-0, 9-4-0-0.

Bowling Green will enjoy a holiday break before an exhibition contest against Windsor on 12/30 at home.