WATERTOWN, Mass. – As expected goals were tough to come by between Bentley and RIT, but the Tigers did just enough to come away with a 2-0 victory in the opening game of a weekend Atlantic Hockey series at Ryan Skating Arena Friday night.

A matchup between the top-two defensive teams in Atlantic Hockey, and two of the top goaltenders,  came as advertised, as the teams had just 26 shots a piece and a single goal scored in the first period was all that separated them throughout much of the game.

RIT looked the stronger team in the first period, holding a 14-6 advantage in shots and getting a goal from freshman Matt Garbowsky at 6:02 after Bentley was unable to clear a rebound in front of goalie Branden Komm (Williamsville, N.Y./Northfield Mount Hermon).

The Falcons though turned the tide in the second period and outshot RIT 13-7, yet could not get one past junior goalie Shane Madolora, who was strong all night to earn his 11^th win of the season and sixth shutout.

The game stayed 1-0 throughout most the third period as Bentley could not find the equalizer, despite two power play opportunities.

As the game wound down, Komm was pulled for the extra-attacker with 1:35 left and a face-off in Bentley's offensive zone. However, after a shot on goal by Brett Gensler (St. Charles, Mo./Youngstown Phantoms), RIT took control of the puck and Taylor McReynolds fed a pass to Brad McGowan, who shot from the neutral zone into the empty net to seal the win for the Tigers with 1:24 remaining.

The win improves RIT's record to 13-8-2 overall and 10-4-2 in Atlantic Hockey. Bentley's six game conference unbeaten streak goes by the boards, and they fall to 7-10-5 overall and 7-4-4 in the league.

Game two of the series is Saturday night at 7:05 p.m.