HIGHLIGHTS | PHOTO GALLERY
HUNTSVILLE | The University of Alabama in Huntsville (3-10-2, 2-7-0 WCHA) hockey team dropped the conference series opener by a 4-2 score to No. 6 Michigan Tech (11-2-0, 9-2-0 WCHA) on Friday night at Propst Arena at Von Braun Center.

The Chargers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead as senior Craig Pierce netted a shorthanded goal 1:08 into the first for his third goal of the season. Pierce was assisted by Brent Fletcher and Marooney on the score.

The 1-0 UAH lead would hold for nearly 12 minutes until the Huskies evened it up at one goal apiece on a Dylan Steman score at the 13:56 mark of the first frame. Despite MTU outshooting UAH, 11-4, in the period, the 1-1 tie would continue heading into the second period.

Michigan Tech's Alex Gillies broke the 1-1 tie with a goal 2:21 into the second to give MTU a 2-1 advantage and their first lead of the contest.

Senior Jeff Vanderlugt was able to knot the game back up on a redirected goal off a shot from junior Jack Prince at the 11:36 mark of the third period. Freshman Brandon Parker was credited with his team-leading seventh assist of the season, while Prince's dish was his fifth of the year.

Just over a minute from Vanderlugt's game-tying goal, the Huskies' Shane Hanna scored what went on to be the game-winner at 12:54 in the second. MTU added an empty-netter by Cliff Watson in the final minute to bring the game to its final score of 4-2.

Sophomore Carmine Guerriero was handed the loss after allowing three goals on Friday night. The Montreal, Quebec native posted 30 saves in his fifth straight start.

The Chargers managed a total of 14 shots on goal in the opener. Marooney and Vanderlugt paved the way for UAH notching three shots on goal apiece. Pierce came in second on the roster with two shots on targer.

UAH and MTU will wrap up the conference tilt tomorrow at the VBC Propst Arena. Puck drops at 7 p.m.