Marquette University Golden Eagles came through in a high-scoring Halloween matchup, edging the Illinois State Redbirds 5-4 on Saturday night at The Ponds of Brookfield.
The Redbirds generated plenty of pressure, outshooting Marquette 48-39, but Golden Eagles goaltender Isaac Nguyen stood tall with 44 saves. Illinois State’s Oliver Vacek stopped 34 of Marquette’s 39 shots.
Special teams played a major role. The Redbirds converted twice on 13 power plays, while the Golden Eagles went 1-for-7. Blake Kumor scored a goal for Illinois State, and Marquette’s Sawyer Lichtensteiger helped drive the offense with three assists.
Marquette’s one-goal victory capped a determined effort against a Redbirds team that kept the pressure on throughout the night.
The Golden Eagles are back on the road Friday, Nov. 13, to face Lewis University at 7 p.m. CST at Canlan Sports in Romeoville, Illinois.