Oliver Genest’s fourth goal in three games gave Air Force hockey the lead over its rivals in the second period, but the Black Knights weren’t deterred. 

Army answered with three consecutive goals to claim a 4-3 victory over the Falcons at Cadet Ice Arena on Friday.

Genest recorded a hat trick in a tie against visiting Mercyhurst last weekend and remained hot. The freshman beat Army sophomore netminder JJ Cataldo at the 11:23 mark of the middle frame to give the Falcons a 2-1 lead over Army. 

But the Black Knights answered the score quickly as forward Ben Ivey beat Air Force junior goalie Dominik Wasik at the 12:39 mark. 

Falcons coach Frank Serratore is fond of saying special teams and goaltending are crucial in the second half of the season. He was proven correct on Friday night, but not in the way he’d hoped as the Black Knights netted back-to-back goals on special teams. 

Forward Barron Woodring gave his team the lead in the final minute of the period, scoring a shorthanded goal at 19:27.

Army kept its momentum in the third, with a power-play goal at 1:45 as Ben Ivey scored his second goal of the evening. 

Sophomore left wing Will Dawson pulled the Falcons (15-13-3, 11-10-2) within a goal at 12:29 of the third period, but the hosts couldn’t find an equalizer in the final seven minutes plus. 

Dawson’s linemate opened the scoring on the evening 

Falcons sophomore center Nick Sajevic emphasized the importance of not leaving any points toward conference standings earlier this week. He put his words into action in the first period on Friday, scoring from the left circle at 3:12. 

After being denied an equalizer for the remainder of the first period, Army found one quickly in the second. Forward Jack Ivey tied the game with a power-play goal 2 minutes, 48 seconds into the middle frame. 

Cataldo was incredible for the Black Knights on Friday. He made 50 saves as Air Force outshot Army 53-23 in the contest. Wasik made 19 for Air Force. 

The rivals conclude the series at 5:05 p.m. on Saturday.