Harbor City, CA - Preparation and penalties played a large part in Fresno State’s 9-3 loss to Loyola Marymount Saturday night. The Bulldogs faced the Lions after winning two games against Northern Arizona University, but were unable to keep the momentum going as the Lions rebounded from their rough start this year.

Loyola Marymount forward Chris Mallaber, defenseman Patrick McBride and forward Jim McDonald each scored twice for the Lions, while defenseman Nick Soresi picked up a goal and two assists.

Starting goalie Joe Ricupero and backup Nate Lamberty both saw time in the net for the Bulldogs. Ricupero made 33 saves and allowed 6 goals, before being replaced by Lamberty at the close of the second. Lamberty made 17 saves and allowed 3 goals to finish out the game.

Regarding his performance, Ricupero said he was off his game Saturday night.  

“I didn't have my best night in the net,” Ricupero said. “I never was able to get into a rhythm and didn't give the guys in front of me a chance to win.”

However forward Tyler Esswein feels Ricupero did his best and the team failed to offer the support he needed.

“Joe is the best goalie in the league hands down,” Esswein said. “Seeing him get pulled is tough for the team, because he is like our General out there. He did fine in the game, he stopped every first shot which is what a goalie is supposed to do, and we just didn't give him enough support down low.”

LMU opened the first period scoring in under a minute, however Fresno State responded with a goal by forward Phillip Matson at 3:24. After that LMU took control of the game and the puck scoring five unanswered goals, before the goalie change.

Despite the challenges the Bulldogs faced, Ricupero thought Lamberty did his best coming in cold.

“It's difficult coming in through the middle of the game,” Ricupero said. “He's a young kid who has a lot of talent. He did what he could for the third period and had a couple nice saves. He came in relief for me and played well considering how the night went for us.”

The third period showed promise for the Bulldogs as forward Jacob Winans and forward Matt Young scored, but additional LMU goals by defenseman Dylan Milo, McDonald and McBride cemented their six goal lead and handed the Bulldogs their fourth road loss.

The Bulldogs also lost a key player when forward Aaron Brackett went down hard after a collision with an LMU player midway through the third and needed to be helped off. Brackett returned to the bench a few minutes later, but refrained from taking the ice.

Despite the team’s opportunities, Matson said the penalties taken by the team continue to hurt their chances.

“The offense was a little limited in scoring Saturday although I think we had lots of chances,” Matson said. “It was hard to sustain pressure or momentum because of penalties. When we started to build up pressure we took a penalty and turned back to defense.”

Preparation appeared to be another factor in how the Bulldogs played.

 “We looked slow,” Lamberty said. “We just weren't moving are feet. I think we are a better team, we just didn't play our hardest.”

 Ricupero agreed stating the defense battled all night, but needed to do a better job of executing the little things to ensure victories.

“As a team we didn't come to play,” Ricupero said. “Marymount is a team in which we can compete with. There are going to be some changes and adjustments made in these next two weeks before we play them again. Especially starting with how we come out of the locker room and prepare.”

Forward Tyler Esswein was given the monkey award this week for his team contribution.

“I am honored to win the monkey, although I have to admit I'd like to win it on a night where I scored and we ended up with a win,” Esswein said. “But it's always an honor to win the monkey.”

The Bulldogs have a bye week before hosting Loyola Marymount at 9:30 p.m. Nov. 6 and 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Gateway Ice Center. Additional information can be found at http://www.bulldogicehockey.com.