Box Score ITHACA, N.Y. – The Omaha hockey team got 32 saves from Ryan Massa to beat No. 18 Cornell 2-1 on Saturday night at Lynah Rink.
The Mavericks improved to 4-1-1 overall and 2-1-1 against top-20 teams with the win. They are now unbeaten in their last four games 3-0-1. Cornell, which opened its season this weekend, fell to 0-1-1.
Massa was the story in the game, making 23 saves over the last two periods. He lowered his NCHC-leading goals against average to 1.39 and bettered his save percentage to .952.
The Mavericks had an apparent goal by Justin Parizek overturned by video review, but the Mavericks still were able to take the first lead of the game.
With less than two minutes to go in the first period, Dominic Zombo carried the puck into the offensive zone. He kept the bouncing puck moving toward the goal, allowing Avery Peterson to sneak in and poke the puck between the pads of goalie Hayden Stewart for his first collegiate goal.
Just 1:11 later, the Big Red tied it on a similar play. Trevor Yates was able to poke a loose puck past Massa at 19:12.
Austin Ortega grabbed the lead back for the Mavericks late in the second period. Tanner Lane's shot from the slot bounced up in the air and was collected by Ortega as it fell back to the ice. He quickly fired a wraparound shot that squeezed between Stewart and the left post at 15:20.
Ortega finished with a goal and an assist. The Mavericks kept Cornell without a powerplay goal in four chances while going 0-for-3 with the man advantage.
Stewart finished with 21 saves as the Mavericks were outshot, 33-23.
The Mavericks are back on the road next week for a non-conference series at Ohio State on Nov. 7-8.
