The Warhawks came into the first week of October looking to expand on their six-game winning streak and improve to 3-0 in conference play. Wednesday the ‘Hawks took on the North Park Vikings in Chicago.

The Vikings took an early 1-0 lead and held the ‘Hawks to only five shots in the first half.

In the second half, the ‘Hawks couldn’t get a shot past the Vikings’ keeper. The scoring was capped off by a late goal and the Vikings held on to win 2-0. North Park committed 16 fouls, while the ‘Hawks only had eight. The loss dropped UW-Whitewater to 6-5.

Sophomore defenseman Bob Shone said the game got away from the Warhawks.

“We came into the game needing a big win and just did not put forth our best performance,” Shone said. “We all are still very optimistic, especially still being undefeated in the WIAC.”

Optimism was also shared by Head Coach Greg Henschel even after a tough start to the season.

“In the end it’s a good group of guys so we stayed positive,” Henschel said. “We’re just trying to take it one game at a time.”

The team traveled to Duluth, Minn. on Saturday to take on UW-Superior. The Yellow Jackets came into the match with an 8-3 record allowing less than a goal per game. The ‘Hawks ignored that statistic and shut out the Yellow Jackets, 3-0. Coach Henschel was happy with the play of his forward lines. Junior Aaron Sesselmann played well, improving to 6-3 on the season and earned his third shutout. The Warhawks remain in first place at 3-0 in conference and 7-5 on the year.

“I think we all still believe that reaching the NCAA Tournament is achievable,” Shone said. “Eight games left leaves a lot of time [for us] to impress the people of the NCAA and we certainly have the team to do it. A lot of guys are stepping up for us and we definitely have a team that can beat some quality sides. I think that is going to become evident in our last eight games.”

The ‘Hawks next home match is at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 at Fiskum Field, against Chapman University.