The Misericordia University hockey team lost a defensive battle in the second game of their series at Alvernia, 3-1, Saturday night.

James Eng scored the lone goal for the Cougars and Anthony Shrum made 35 saves in goal.

Johnathan Lush had a team-high three blocked shots

Near the end of an evenly played first period, the Crusaders broke through with the game's first goal at 15:07.

The Cougars answered just over three minutes later when Tos created a turnover near center ice and skated to the right face-off circle before firing a shot inside the far post to tie the game at 18:17.

The teams ended the first period tied on the scoreboard and tied with 20 shots each and no penalties.

Alvernia took a 2-1 lead at 7:19 of the second period and added an insurance goal with less than two minutes remaining in the period.

MU threatened twice in the third period.  Jac Tos' tough-angle shot hit the left post with 10:15 to go.

Tos created another chance late in the period when he stole the puck and raced down the left side, but his shot was just wide of the left post with 5:30 left in the game.