Middle Tennessee State Split Weekend Series With UCF
The Blue Raiders rebounded from a Friday loss to secure a 4-3 victory over Central Florida on Saturday in Antioch.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Hockey
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Middle Tennessee State University split its two-game hockey series against the University of Central Florida this past weekend. After falling 6-1 on Friday, the team rallied to win 4-3 at the Ford Ice Center in Antioch on Saturday.
Why it matters
The weekend series provided a critical bounce-back performance for the Blue Raiders after being outshot significantly in the opening game. By adjusting their physical presence and offensive pressure, the team successfully evened the series.
Middle Tennessee State outshot Central Florida 30-26 in the Saturday victory, a reversal from the 42-33 shot disadvantage faced on Friday. Goaltender Grant Williams anchored the defensive effort during the win by recording 23 saves.
The players
Grant Williams
He is the goaltender for the Middle Tennessee State University hockey team who recorded 23 saves in the victory.
Kasper Thuresson
He is an active forward for the Middle Tennessee State University hockey team who contributed a goal during the Saturday win.
Donovan Yesnach
He is a player for Middle Tennessee State University who scored the lone goal for his team in the Friday match.
The details
Middle Tennessee State secured their Saturday win behind goals from Kasper Thuresson, Anthony Banas, Tommy Chunchukov, and Cam Hawkins. The team focused on increasing physicality and creating scoring opportunities in front of the net to overcome Friday's deficit.
Timeline
Friday, October 9, 2026: The University of Central Florida defeated Middle Tennessee State 6-1.
Saturday, October 10, 2026: Middle Tennessee State defeated the University of Central Florida 4-3.
Friday, October 16, 2026: Middle Tennessee State is scheduled to play the University of Tampa.
Season Trajectory
This split series keeps Middle Tennessee State competitive within the 2026 collegiate hockey schedule. The ability to adjust mid-series suggests the team remains a factor in the upcoming playoff race.
Middle Tennessee State successfully flipped their offensive output from 33 shots on Friday to a winning 30-shot efficiency on Saturday. This victory shifts momentum toward their upcoming matchup against the University of Tampa.
The takeaway
Maintaining physical pressure near the opponent's net proved to be the decisive factor in Saturday's victory. Adjusting strategy between back-to-back games is essential for teams looking to maintain consistency throughout the season.
What happens next
Middle Tennessee State University will face the University of Tampa on October 16, 2026.
Further reading
For more on local matches, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MTSU Sidelines.
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