WESTMINISTER, Colo. – The #3 University of Providence men's hockey team defeated #14 Loyola Marymount 6-4 to advance to the final day of the ACHA Division II West Regional Tournament.

Kyler Mack got things started early for the Argos, finding the back of the net eight minutes into the contest off an assist from Stanislav Struthers. Liam Carvalho added on to the lead with a goal six minutes later. The Lions scored a minute later to close the gap to 2-1 entering the break.

Both teams scored a goal in the second to make it 3-2 entering the final period. The Argos found their stride early, as Cooper Page, Reed Link and Levi Anderson all found the back of the net to extend the lead to four with nine minutes left in the game. The Lions scored a pair of goals late, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

"We led the whole game," head coach Jeff Heimel said. "It was close throughout the whole game, but we were controlling the pace well. We had a lot of puck possession in the game. We competed well and we were clearly engaged in the hockey game. We were patient and we kept playing our game and earned the right to play another day."

The win gives the team a massive confidence-booster as they prepare for another win-or-go-home game tomorrow. Heimel credits the team for coming into the match focused, especially after the team's opening-round loss in the conference tournament two weeks ago.

"This was a good team that we played today," Heimel said. "I don't think their ranking is reflective of how good they are. It was a close game and you want to see your team respond well in close games when it matters. We learned a lot from the conference tournament, except for here if you lose you're out. We needed it. It was a complete team game and we've been stressing that."

The Argos will once again be prepared for a plethora of teams – they will play the lowest seed of the remaining three winners from Friday's action at 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning. If the team wins on Saturday, they qualify for the ACHA National Tournament, which will take place Mar. 14-16 in St. Louis, Mo. If the team loses, their season is over.

"It's going to take a complete effort," Heimel said. "These teams aren't going to get any easier. Hopefully our best hockey is ahead of us. We're just trying to enjoy the day."