The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs dropped game one against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks in a close 4-2 game. 

Recording two points off the two UMD goals tonight was freshman Kyle Bettens. Each recording an assist tonight was Derek Daschke, Carter Loney, and Quinn Olson. 

In the opening minutes of the game, UMD took a minor penalty for tripping. The Fighting Hawks found the back of the net on the power play and took an early one goal lead. The Bulldogs had three power play opportunities in the first but could not find the back of the net. UMD was held scoreless in the first period, but out-shot UND 11-5. 

In the second period, North Dakota scored an even strength goal to extend their lead by two. Just a minute later the Bulldogs responded back. After Daschke connected a pass to Bettens, Bettens brought the puck into the offensive zone and fired a shot from the top of the face-off circle. His first shot was deflected by DeRidder and bounced right back to Bettens, who ripped another shot and netted UMD's first goal. The Bulldogs trailed by one goal at the end of the second period. 

Less than a minute into the third period UMD gave up another goal to the Fighting Hawks, setting them back two goals. Just over halfway through the period, Loney brought the puck up the middle then connected with Olson on the left wing. Olson made a quick pass to Bettens on the right wing, who set the puck to the top-shelf and scored his second goal of the night. Down just one goal, UMD pulled the goalie with 1:20 remaining. UND found the open empty with five seconds left and secured game one 4-2. 

UP NEXT The Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs will return to the Ralph Engelstad Arena for a 6:07 p.m. puck drop tomorrow to close the series.