GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Western Michigan hockey team's comeback bid at No. 3/1 North Dakota fell short, dropping the contest 3-1 at Ralph Englestad Arena on Friday night.

Down 2-0 in the third period Dawson DiPietro scored at 4:35 to cut the lead to 2-1, punching in a rebound on his own shot for his 12th goal of the season. Cam Lee picked up his 13th assist on the goal.

UND scored to go up 3-1 midway through the period but the goal was disallowed due to interference with WMU goalie Brandon Bussi. Bussi then left the game after he was hit in the head by a Fighting Hawk forward and replaced by Ben Blacker.

The Broncos were pressuring North Dakota, outshooting them 15-7 overall in the third period, but a late penalty gave UND its second power play of the game. Westin Michaud tipped in a shot by Gabe Bast just 10 seconds into the power play at 18:16 to go up 3-1 and finish off the game.

After a scoreless first period Judd Caufield scored at 9:52 in the second period after finishing off a 3-on-2 rush to put UND up 1-0. Matt Kiersted scored from the left point off of a faceoff to push the lead to 2-0 at 13:21.

WMU outshot North Dakota 27-21 on the night and finished 0-for-1 on the power play.

The Broncos and Fighting Hawks battle again on Saturday night at 8:07 p.m.