NOTRE DAME, Ind.- Lake Superior State fell to the Fighting Irish (1-2-0) by a 5-3 margin Friday at the Compton Family Ice Arena. The Lakers (0-5-0) look to bounce back for a split tomorrow evening in the series finale.

Freshman net minder Gordon Defiel started for the Lakers and was once again strong in net against a bombardment of shots. Defiel (36 saves) went toe-to-toe against sophomore Chad Katunar (27 saves) in the loss.

Defiel allowed two goals on 15 shots after the first frame, keeping the Lakers in the game. Thomas DiPauli opened the scoring with on a pass that got by Defiel from Stevan Fogarty, burying it home for a one goal lead. Mario Lucia scored with 1:23 remaining in the first to give the Fighting Irish a 2-0 lead.

Sophomore standout Alex Globke gave the Lakers their first goal of the game as the first period expired. The goal stood after a review as the Lakers went to the lockerroom trailing 2-1.

Bryce Schmitt (1-1-2) picked up his first goal of the season on a rebounded shot by freshman James Roll (0-2-2) with 6:21 to go in the second period. The goal by Schmitt trimmed the Irish lead 3-2.

The Irish got a 4-2 goal from senior Robbie Russo midway through the third, which proved to be the game winner. LSSU senior Stephen Perfetto (1-0-1) made the score 4-3 with an exciting goal with 10:40 left in the game. Luke Sandler and Mitchell Nardi added the assists.

The Irish scored an empty-net goal with 31 seconds remaining, ensuring the victory for Notre Dame. The Lakers and the Fighting Irish meet again Saturday at 6:05 p.m. NBC Sports and 99.5 YES FM will broadcast the game.

Final: Notre Dame 5 – Lake Superior State 3