Razorbacks Sweep Illinois State in a Dominant Weekend Series
It was a weekend to remember for the Razorbacks as they dominated Illinois State in a two-game series. Arkansas entered the series on a winning streak, having previously swept Dallas Baptist, and looked to continue their impressive form.
Friday Night Showdown: Hogs Silence Red Birds
On Friday, October 7th, the Razorbacks took control of the game from the get-go. Arkansas’ Kyle Crews and Thomas Verble each found the back of the net in the first period, setting the tempo for the rest of the game.
Despite a commendable performance from Illinois State goalie Matt DiFilippo, who made 34 saves out of 36 shots through the first two periods, Arkansas was relentless. In an exemplary show of skill, Thomas Verble scored his second goal of the game in the third period.
The Razorbacks emerged victorious with a clean sheet, winning 3-0, a clear testament to their offensive prowess and solid defensive strategy.
Saturday’s Encounter: A Display of Dominance
On Saturday, October 8th, the Razorbacks carried their momentum into the second game of the series. The first period was nothing short of a masterclass from Arkansas, who outplayed and outmuscled the Red Birds.
Connor Chapman lit up the scoreboard with an assist from Kyle Crews and Cade Vernuk, leaving the Hogs with a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period. The Razorbacks’ offensive pressure was relentless, with 15 shots taken against a meager four from Illinois State.
The second period saw Arkansas continue its shooting spree with an astounding 22 shots to Illinois State’s 2. Despite not adding to their lead, the Razorbacks maintained control of the game.
As the third period unfolded, the floodgates opened. Truman Hirschy, Cade Vernuk, and Connor Chapman all found the back of the net, leaving Arkansas with a commanding 5-0 lead. Not to be left out, Thomas Verble scored his third-weekend goal, and Connor Chapman completed a remarkable hat trick.
The game ended with a goal by Trevor Borlace, his first of the season, bringing the final score to an overwhelming 7-0 in favor of Arkansas.
Series Summary
The Razorbacks dominated the series with a total of 41 shots against Illinois State’s 12 across both games. The weekend series witnessed some exceptional performances, with Thomas Verble scoring three goals and Connor Chapman achieving his first career hat trick.
After this dominant display, the Razorbacks look forward to hosting Nebraska on October 27th and 28th at the Jones Center. This weekend’s performance has undeniably set the bar high, and fans will expect a similar display against Nebraska.
In conclusion, the Arkansas Razorbacks have shown they are a force to be reckoned with in this season. Their offensive firepower and solid defensive line make them a formidable opponent for any team. As they continue their journey, the rest of the season promises to be exciting for the Razorbacks and their fans.
