SCHENECTADY, NY -- Union couldn't avoid its first sweep at home in nearly two years as Lake Superior State came away with a 3-2 victory Saturday evening in non-conference action from Messa Rink.

Union outshot the visitors, 48-17, but managed to place only two shots past goaltender Kevin Kapalka, who finished with 46 saves.  Both of Union's tallies came on the power play, an area the team has excelled in this season.  The Dutchmen entered tonight's contest leading the country in power play goals and ranking third in power play percentage.

Union found itself in a hole early, as Lake Superior (4-0-0) built a 2-0 lead midway through the game.  Eric Drapluk opened scoring by going top shelf with just 38 seconds left in the first period, which was followed by Daniel Vernance's one-timer at 8:23 of the second period.

Rick Bennett's team came back on the power play at 11:19 of the second period when Mat Bodie hit Matt Wilkins at center ice for a breakaway goal.  Wilkins returned to the lineup after missing two games with injury.  Union's momentum was short-lived, though.  Lake Superior answered just over a minute later on Colin Campbell's deflection in front of the net.

At that point, Union goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos was lifted from the game in favor of junior Dillon Pieri, who made his second career appearance in a Union sweater.  

The Garnet and White closed the gap to a goal just before the end of the second period. Freshman Michael Pontarelli buried a shot from the left circle for the fourth goal of his young career.  Union finished with a 19-5 shot advantage in the third period, but couldn't find the equalizer.

The Dutchmen (1-2-1) hit the road for the first time this season, traveling to Connecticut next Friday (Oct. 25) for a 7:05 p.m. faceoff.