The glass is still being filled for the Air Force Falcons hockey team after they fell in overtime to the Niagara University Purple Eagles.

By the final buzzer, after just 40 seconds of overtime, the Falcons lost 3-2.

The Falcons struggled to contain the Purple Eagles offense, which scored a goal in the first minute of the first and second periods. The same story played out during overtime, and the Purple Eagles scored after just 40 seconds, ending the game.

But Falcons head coach Frank Serratore said he was proud of what the team accomplished, emphasizing that the Falcons won the third period.

“We chased the scoreboard the entire way,” he said after the game. “We had to win the third period to get the money, to at least get a point for the game, and we found a way to win that third period, which is huge.”

The Falcons two goals came from sophomore Nolan Cunningham and senior Mitchell Digby. Cunningham scored in the first period after just under 11 minutes of play while Digby scored in the third period after two minutes of play.

Though the Falcons lost, the team had more than twice as many shots on goal as Niagara, 38-18. Both teams won a comparable number of face offs, with the Falcons taking 34 and the Purple Eagles taking 33.

These stats speak to Serratore’s perspective that the Falcons “fought back” hard. Serratore told his team to “get their dang heads up” during one break and to not be discouraged despite the score.

“It was a tight game. … It got away from us,” Serratore said.

The Falcons face Niagara again Saturday night and the winner of that game wins the series. Because the Falcons forced an overtime, they are awarded one point while Niagara takes home two. If the Falcons win in regulation tomorrow, they take home a full three points, tipping the series score in their favor.

“I told them to get ready, get back to bed and get rested because it’s a short turnaround and we need to come back tomorrow and find a way to get on the right side of the scoreboard,” Serratore said.