BOARDMAN, OHIO (Monday, October 29, 2007) - The Youngstown State University hockey team went 1-1 this past weekend in a series at the Syracuse Orange.

The Penguins looked flat in the weekend opener Friday night, losing 3-0. YSU head coach Rocky Russo was not happy with his team's effort or preparation.

"I don't think we stepped off the bus prepared to play," said Russo. "During the week, we didn't do what was necessary to be ready to go.

"Syracuse is much improved from last year," Russo continued. "They brought in some new players and they worked very hard. They caught us by surprise."

Led by Kevin Pawlos' two goals and backstopped by a 46-save performance from Matt Jacob, Youngstown State was able to rebound Saturday evening, winning 3-1.

"We had a team meeting on Saturday morning," said Russo on how the team's mindset differed in the second game. "We talked about the mistakes we made on Friday and what we need to do to be prepared for Saturday night - and I think we did that much better."

The split moved YSU to 3-5-2 on the season, and into fifth place in College Hockey Mid-America. The Penguins' next test comes Tuesday night at CHMA rival John Carroll. The game against the Blue Streaks is the last before a 10-day layoff.

The next Penguins home game is on Sat., Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. The Youngstown State University Hockey Team is based out of the Ice Zone in Boardman, and is sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantoms Fireworks, located in Youngstown, Ohio.