Canton, MO - The Vikings offense exploded in their final matchup of the conference slate as they outscored the Wildcats of Culver-Stockton College 6-3. It was a balanced attack as 23 Vikings saw action in the game to close out the regular season. 

How It Happened: 
The match started out fairly slow as neither team got much action early until Lucas Newhard broke the game open as he connected on a goal in the 25th minute of play assisted by Samuel Landono. The Vikings would ride the momentum of the first goal of the match as Javi Perez-Ruiz would score on a goal assisted by Jaren Obia with just 19 seconds left in the first half. While the Vikings controlled the game in the first half the Wildcats wouldn't go away as they quickly evened the game up after scoring two quick goals to open the half up in the 56th and 61st minutes. Newhard did not let that last for long as he quickly added on his 2nd goal of the night and 9th of the season with help from Rune Petersen. Newhard would return the favor to Petersen just 3 minutes later as the pair would connect for the second time tonight for a goal in the 75th minute. With a 4-2 lead the Vikings would keep their foot on the gas as Petersen would find the net again in less then a minute of play after his first goal to give the Vikings a little bit more breathing room as they went down the stretch. The Wildcats would score one last time before Petersen would put the game away with his third goal of the night completing the hat trick thanks to a great touch by Kai McPeak. As the final buzzer sounded the Vikings were able to close out their regular season schedule with a dominate 6-3 win giving them their 5th conference win. 

Of Note: 

• Vikings had 24 shots with 13 of them on Goal
• Lucas Newhard collected his 8th and 9th goals of the season
• Rune Petersen recorded a hat trick
• Vikings Picked up their 9th win of the season 
• Emiliano Laguna recorded 3 saves

Whats Next? 
The Vikings will have to wait on results across the rest of the conference to determine post season play. Check back with Viking Athletics throughout the week for more information!