Published: January 09, 2009 07:00 pm      

Marquette has answer for North Stars

TC loses for 2nd straight night

TRAVERSE CITY -- Marquette scored two unanswered goals in the second period Friday for a 4-1 win over Traverse City at Centre ICE.

The loss was the second in as many days for the North Stars (18-9-5) after falling in Alpena Thursday by a 5-1 decision.

Friday's loss started off ugly for Traverse City, who scored on its own goal in the first period to give the Rangers (17-15-4) a 1-1 lead.

The North Stars tied things up early in the second period when Sean Burke broke away and banked a goal in the top corner. Phil Wendecker earned the assist.

However, Marquette answered with goals from Dustin Partacz and James Gallagher later in the period for a 3-1 lead and made it 4-1 with Garrett Ladd's empty-netter in the third period.

Brandon Stephenson made 21 saves for Traverse City while Dan Sullivan had 20 saves for Marquette.

The two teams will meet again today at 7:05 at Centre ICE.

With the loss, the Stars fell four points behind Mahoning Valley in the North Division standings.