SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Lake Superior State (LSSU) Lakers gave the No. 4 Michigan State Spartans all they could handle in a tightly fought defensive battle before ultimately falling by a final score of 2-1 in overtime on Friday.

Both teams battled early, but the Spartans were able to strike first with a goal from Isaac Howard at the 13:57 mark of the opening period, but a few minutes later, Connor Milburn (Kamloops, B.C) tied up the score at 1-1 with his first goal of the season after taking assists from line mates Dawson Tritt (Spokane, Wash.) and Blake Humphrey (Rochester, N.Y.)

Neither team would be able to score for the remainder of regulation despite generating multiple quality chances. However, the Spartans would ultimately be the benefactors of a deflected puck, narrowly crossing the goal line by mere inches to escape with an opening night victory in the Soo.

Despite the loss, first year goaltender Rorke Applebee (Chateauguay, Que.) shined in his first career start, notching 37 saves, including a staggering 25 in the third period alone.

The Lakers will look to bounce back in game two of the series on Saturday, Oct. 5 with puck drop scheduled for 4:07 p.m.