WATERLOO, Ont. – The Ridgebacks put on a spirited effort but came up short against the Waterloo Warriors, falling 3-2 Friday night in Waterloo.

Ontario Tech opened the scoring in the second period with Cullen McLean finding the back of the net at 11:43, assisted by Ben Roode. Waterloo responded in the third period with a power-play goal by Jaden Goldie, assisted by Tate Popple, leveling the game 1-1.

James White quickly restored the Ridgebacks' lead at 7:00, but the Warriors surged back, with goals from Tate Popple and Jesse Fishman in the final frame.

Warriors' goaltender Matt Onuska was a standout, stopping 36 shots to secure the win.

The Ridgebacks men's hockey team will wrap up their Waterloo road trip with a stop at Laurier to take on the Golden Hawks tomorrow at 7 p.m.