HAMDEN, Conn. — The Holy Cross men's ice hockey team came up short as No. 3 Quinnipiac pulled away for a 5-2 victory on Saturday, Dec. 30.

The Crusaders (9-8-3) and Bobcats (13-4-1) were tied at two goals apiece headed into the third, but Quinnipiac was able to notch three goals in the final frame, including an empty-netter, to secure the victory.

Junior Liam McLinskey had a two-point night with a goal and assist, while senior Jake Higgins tallied the Crusaders' other goal. Junior goaltender Thomas Gale made 21 saves.

Andon Cerbone had two goals for the Bobcats.

HOW IT HAPPENED: 

• Quinnipiac got on the board just 3:27 into the contest with a tally from Cerbone.
• Higgins buried a feed from junior John Gelatt to even up the score at 1-1 at 10:46 of the first. 
• Charles-Alexis Legault broke the tie with a goal at 8:57 of the second, giving Quinnipiac a 2-1 lead. 
• At 13:49 of the second, McLinskey scored on the power play to knot the score at 2-2. 
• Cerbone's second goal of the day gave the Bobcats the lead again at 9:20 of the third. Collin Graf then scored a power-play goal at 10:49, and Sam Lipkin had an empty-netter with 1:21 remaining to seal the win. 

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE: 

• Quinnipiac's power-play goal in the third period was the first power-play goal conceded by Holy Cross since Nov. 10. 

UP NEXT: 

• The Crusaders return to Worcester, Mass., to open 2024 with a non-conference matchup against Merrimack on Jan. 2. 
• Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the Hart Center Rink.
• Tickets can be purchased through the Holy Cross Ticket Office. The game will also be broadcasted throughout New England on NESN+.

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
Be sure to follow the Holy Cross men's ice hockey team — and all things Crusader Athletics — on social media!
Twitter - @HCrossMHockey | @goholycross
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Facebook - Holy Cross Men's Ice Hockey | Holy Cross Athletics
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