The Commodores started pool play on the wrong foot. They lost 5-2 to Bishop University, the top-seeded team in Pool El. 

The Gaiters put up 45 shots to Vanderbilts 23. The Commodores only mustered two shots in the first period but were able to bounce back with 11 and 10 in the second and third periods. 

Bishop scored early in the first and doubled its lead on the power play six minutes into the second.

Vanderbilt got back into the game with a power play goal from senior Julian Yang with 12 seconds to go in the period.

The Gaiters reestablished their two-goal lead midway through the third, but Braden Pichel scored the Commodores’ second power-play goal to get back within one. 

Two goals from Bishop in the last three minutes of the contest would put the game on ice. 

It is worth noting that Bishop deployed four more skaters than Vanderbilt, so they could spread ice time through more players. 

“I thought the team showed remarkable resilience and determination,” said head coach Max Mona, “They truly exemplified our team’s spirit, maintaining a narrow gap against the highest-ranked team in our pool for the majority of the game.”

The Commodores will face off against Liberty University at 6 p.m. ET tonight. Liberty lost 5-2 against Clemson to open pool play.