The Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks tried to dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, but the North Iowa Bulls held on for a 5-4 victory.

North Iowa made the score 5-2 on a goal by Timothy Santopoalo at 4:38 in the third period, and Cleveland got as close as 5-4 when Dominic Valencia scored 16:39 into the third period.

The Bulls forced the Jr. Lumberjacks goalie Joseph Moza to work between the pipes, taking 36 shots.

North Iowa also got points from Matt Kroska, who also registered one goal and one assist and Tony Paulson, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Jake Johnson also scored for North Iowa. More assists for North Iowa came via James Hughes, who had three and Patrick Sivets and Taylor Brown, who each chipped in one.

Cleveland gave up more goals than its normal season average. The Jr. Lumberjacks average 2.5 goals allowed per game.

Cleveland also got a goal from Scott Cuthrell as well. In addition, Cleveland received assists from Cameron Dimmitt, who had three and Jeff Monfils, Andrew Mitch, and Jared Johnson, who contributed one a piece.

Matthew Bartels recorded 17 saves for North Iowa. The Bulls incurred 12 minutes in penalty time with six minors. Cleveland's Moza stopped 31 shots out of the 36 that he faced. The Jr. Lumberjacks incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors.