WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's men's hockey team (12-8-2, 8-4-1) came up just short in a tightly contested battle against St. Olaf College (11-6-5, 7-4-2), falling 4-3 after the Oles used a three-goal third period to seal the comeback.

The Cardinals found the back of the net in every period and saw several standout performances, including a milestone moment for Luc Cernohous, who scored his first collegiate goal. Cernohous finished with three shots on net, delivering a key spark in the second period.

Reid Watson tallied a goal and an assist for a two-point night, while Ryan Berglund added two assists and a shot on goal and Jack Campion chipped in a goal.

After St. Olaf struck first, the Cardinals answered midway through the opening period when Campion buried a feed from Carter Newpower and Connor Abric at 10:14 to even the score at 1-1. Goaltender Adam Prokop stood tall in the opening frame, turning aside multiple chances to keep things level heading into the first intermission.

Saint Mary's grabbed the lead late in the second period when Cernohous netted one at 14:39, finishing off assists from Berglund and Watson to put the Cardinals ahead 2-1. A penalty to Adler Johnston tested the penalty kill, but Prokop delivered several clutch saves to preserve the one-goal edge through two periods.

The third period brought plenty of drama. After St. Olaf surged ahead with two quick goals, Watson answered at 4:32, finishing a setup from Berglund and Cooper Smyl to knot the game at 3-3. Despite sustained pressure and multiple late opportunities, the Cardinals couldn't find the go-ahead tally.

In the closing moments, the Oles scored the game-winner at 1:34, handing the Cardinals a hard-fought 4-3 setback. 

The team will have another crack at the Oles tomorrow in Northfield for a 5:00 p.m. puck drop.