Roller hockey earned a 3-1 victory over Rowan University in the pool play opener Wednesday afternoon at the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) Division I National Championship at the Skatium in Fort Meyers, Florida.

The Lions gave the Owls three power play chances in the opening period but managed to keep them at bay while scoring two. Landon Kooker sounded the horn for both goals, the first coming at the 9:12 mark assisted by Luke DiPasquale. Cameron Green earned the helper on the second tally which came at 10:50 and Lindenwood held a 2-0 lead after the first 12 minutes.

The Lions offense generated some more chances in the second as they fired 11 shots on net while only yielding five. Lindenwood forced a turnover late in the period which led to an unassisted effort from Clayton Leifeld at 8:25 to increase the advantage to 3-0. Rowan answered that goal just over two minutes later at the 10:50 mark to cut into the deficit, but the Lions still carried a two-goal lead into the final frame.

Defense really clamped down in the third as the offenses combined for just 10 shots. Lindenwood had the only power play but could not score. Neither could the Owls and the clock ran out with the Lions on top.

Lindenwood outshot Rowan 23-14 overall and Josh Henson stopped 13 of the 14 shots he faced to earn the victory in goal.

The Lions wrap up pool play with two games on Thursday. They face Henry Ford Community College at 12: 15 p.m. EDT, then take on Grand Canyon University at 6:30 p.m. EDT at the Skatium. Victories in both of those contests will ensure advancement into the semifinal on Saturday.