Augustana wasted no time setting the tone, controlling possession and applying pressure throughout the opening quarter.
Santino Enea got the Vikings on the board first, and after Pitt.-Bradford answered with a man-down goal,
Jamar Taylor delivered in the closing seconds of the period to send Augustana into the break with a 2-1 lead. The Vikings generated consistent looks early, outshooting the Panthers and dictating pace.
The second quarter swung the game. Pitt.-Bradford found its rhythm offensively, stringing together five consecutive goals in a span that flipped the scoreboard and momentum entirely. Despite continued opportunities for Augustana, including multiple shots on goal, the Vikings were held scoreless in the quarter and trailed 6-2 at halftime.
Out of the break, Augustana showed signs of regaining control defensively. The Vikings limited Pitt.-Bradford to just one third-quarter goal while continuing to create chances on the offensive end. However, the breakthrough never came, as the Panthers' defense and goalkeeper held firm to maintain the four-goal advantage heading into the final frame.
Facing a late deficit, Augustana delivered its strongest push of the day in the fourth quarter.
Franco Cuevas ignited the comeback effort, followed by a second goal from Taylor to cut into the margin. Enea then took over, scoring twice in the final five minutes to complete his hat trick, including a goal in the closing seconds. The Vikings scored four times in the quarter, but were unable to fully erase the gap created in the second.
Enea led the way with three goals on five shots, while Taylor added two goals and an assist along with a team-high 10 ground balls and five caused turnovers. Cuevas contributed a goal, and
Kevin Spinler recorded an assist. Augustana finished with a commanding edge in total shots (44-25) and shots on goal (27-12), while also collecting 37 ground balls.
With the loss, Augustana moves to 3-5 on the season. Their spring break trip continues on Tuesday, March 24, when they battle against Alfred State. Face off is set for 4 p.m.
