GRAND FORKS, N.D.- Lake Superior State dropped its third hockey game in a row against one of the top teams in the nation by falling to North Dakota of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference, 7-4, Friday.

The Lakers (3-14-0, 3-9-0 Western Collegiate Hockey Association) held a 4-1 lead early in the second period after a Mitch Nardi (1-3--4) rebound slipped past Zane McIntyre, who replaced the starting netminder Cam Johnson for UND. Alex Globke (1-3--4) and Scott Patterson (1-1--2) chipped in on the assists

LSSU freshman defenseman Kyle Chatham (1-2--3) started the scoring 9:35 into the opening frame with an unassisted goal. The goal was the first in the young blue liner's career with the Lakers. Lake Superior took a three-goal lead into the first intermission with goals by Gus Correale (1-2--3) and Eric Drapluk (1-3--4) in the first period. Freshman James Roll (0-8--8) continued his hot start with his eighth assist on the season on the Correale goal.

North Dakota held up to its top billing by shocking the Lakers with five goals during the second frame to take a 5-4 lead into the third period. Tucker Poolman added a pair of goals to spark the UND run.

Freshman netminder Gordon Defiel started the game for the Lakers and was resilient in the loss. He surrendered seven goals while turning aside 36 of the 43 shots he faced. Defiel however fell victim to North Dakota's 3-for-4 power-play success.

McIntyre registered the win for North Dakota after replacing Johnson, who gave up three goals on 12 shots. McIntyre recorded 12 saves and allowed the single goal to Nardi.

The Lakers totaled 25 shots and failed to convert either of their two power-play opportunities.

Final UND 7 - LSSU 4