WORCESTER, Mass. - Holy Cross topped (RV) Sacred Heart 5-2 to win its second straight contest at Hart Center Rink in the first of this two-game series.

The hosting Crusaders struck first just under the 7:00 mark of the opening period when senior forward Michael Abgrall netted one on the man advantage to tally off his first of three points (2G-1A) in the game, tying his career high.

Sacred Heart made it a 1-1 game in the final minute of the period, going into the first break knotted up. The middle frame followed the same pattern as the first 20 minutes, as Abgrall potted his second to take the lead 2-1. Again, the Pioneers found the back of the net as senior blueliner Noah Ellis tied things 2-2 on the power play.

Ellis's goal was the end of Sacred Heart's offensive production on the evening as it was held scoreless in the third period. Holy Cross then scored three straight goals in the final frame, with sophomore forward Noah Eyre netting the game-winner.

The Crusaders scored twice on the power play in the evening. Four finished with multi-point games for Holy Cross.

Puck drop for game two is slated for 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Oct. 31.

SCORES
HOLY CROSS 5 - (RV) SACRED HEART 2
BOX SCORE - RECAP
Holy Cross Goals: Michael Abgrall (2), Noah Eyre, Mack Oliphant, Jack Stockfish
Sacred Heart Goals: John Driscoll, Noah Ellis

ABOUT ATLANTIC HOCKEY AMERICA
Atlantic Hockey America (AHA) is in its second season following the merger between the Atlantic Hockey Association and College Hockey America. The conference fields 10 Division I men's teams and seven women's teams. For more information, visit atlantichockeyamerica.com.

Connect with AHA on X (@Atlantic_Hockey), Instagram (@atlantichockeyamerica) and Facebook (Atlantic Hockey America).

Watch AHA home games on FloHockey this season.