GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Division II Michigan State Spartans squeaked out a 4-3 shootout victory over Davenport on Friday evening. The loss for DU came as eight seniors were honored prior to their last home game of their careers.

The first period began strong for the Panthers as Adam Kuhn opened the scoring just over a minute into the contest, unleashing a one-timer from the top of the left circle that beat the Spartan goaltender over the glove. The shot was a result of a beautiful give-and-go with captain Brit Ouellette. The Panthers outshot MSU 13-4 in the first frame, but were only able to place one tally on the board.

The second period was all Spartans as MSU was able to score twice on goaltender Phil Graveline, both at even strength.

The final period showcased great drama as the Panthers tied the game on a Sean McWhorter rebound on the powerplay eight minutes into the final frame. MSU, however, also responded on the powerplay as a Spartan defender ripped a slapshot past Graveline from the point to put the visitors back ahead.

With Graveline pulled the Panthers peppered the opposing goalie with numerous shots and scoring chances. Finally with 13 seconds left, Jonathan Juliano was able to put home a puck laying in the crease in the waning moments, sending the game to overtime.

After a scoreless overtime, the game moved to a shootout. Phil Wendecker opened the scoring for the Panthers on a beautiful deke that found the defender on his backhand with an empty net to complete the goal. However, MSU responded on the next shot as Graveline was beat high blocker side. After trading a round of misses, Jeff Slusser finished his patented move that froze the MSU goaltender as he deposited the puck in the far side of the net. As the night would have it, the Spartans tied it up again on their next shot, which continued the sudden-death shootout.

After another round of misses from both teams, Tyler Forbes was denied on his opportunity. The Spartans made no mistake in the sixth round as the nationals-bound visitors finished the game with a quick shot that beat Graveline low, glove-side.

The Panthers will now travel to Delaware to compete in the ACHA Division I National Tournament, beginning next Saturday. The Panthers finish the regular season at 33-10.