The Santa Rosa Junior College Polar Bears dropped a 5-1 decision to Reno on Saturday night at home after an 8-0 loss the night before.
Reno scored once in the first period before extending its lead with three goals in the second. Santa Rosa answered in the third period, but Reno capped their win with one final goal.
The game grew increasingly physical as it progressed. Reno was assessed eight penalties overall — one in the first period, one in the second and six in the third. Santa Rosa was called for nine penalties, including one in the first period, three in the second and five in the final frame. Many of the third-period infractions on both sides stemmed from a late fight that led to extended stoppages as officials worked to restore order.
The Polar Bears entered Saturday’s matchup focused on applying lessons learned the previous night, emphasizing quicker puck movement and improved structure against Reno’s pace. Forward Josh Sampietro said the Polar Bears aimed to play a more connected game.
“We were just playing a bit more structured, getting the puck off a little bit quicker, trusting in my teammates,” Sampietro said. “We were just more cohesive tonight, working together.”
Despite being outshot, the Polar Bears remained active on the defense, blocking lanes and working to limit second-chance opportunities in the front of the net. Santa Rosa generated scoring chances off the rush and during extended shifts in the offensive zone, but Reno’s goaltender made key saves to preserve their lead.
Sampietro scored Santa Rosa’s lone goal of the night in the third period, capitalizing on sustained pressure in the offensive zone to put the Polar Bears on the scoreboard.
Sampietro said Santa Rosa showed strong energy early before losing momentum during the middle portion of the game.
“We came out real hot to start in the first, and we kind of let up in the second, and then we put the pedal down back in the third,” he said. “I think it really showed our heart tonight.”
Defensively, Santa Rosa leaned on physical play and communication to slow Reno’s top offensive threats. Defenseman August Heinze, who played his first game against Reno, said improved preparation helped the Polar Bears better anticipate Reno’s tendencies in the match.
“Last night was a lot of figuring out how they played,” Heinze said. “We came out stronger today because we figured out what their game was.”
Heinze added that Santa Rosa’s structure and breakout play have continued to improve throughout the season.
“Our breakout has improved a lot, especially from the beginning of the season,” Heinze said. “We’re getting better at looking up the ice, looking for plays, looking for who’s open.”
Forward Owen Hamblin said physical play helped set the tone during the second game, even as fatigue became a factor.
“A good clean hit can really get the boys going,” Hamblin said. “I’m a fan of big physical games. I really enjoy them.”
Off the ice, the Polar Bears received support from the campus community, including SRJC President Dr. Angélica Garcia and members of the SRJC Agriculture Ambassadors club, who attended the game and emphasized the importance of showing up for student-led programs.
“The best way the JC supports our students is just by being in the community,” Garcia said. “So that they know that they’ve got a community behind them.”
Santa Rosa will return to the ice next weekend for another back-to-back match to host San Jose State at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, before facing UC Davis at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21.
