The annual Bay Area Trip for the Tritons was not for the faint of heart, facing a daunting lineup with two games against SJSU, known as one of the most physical and penalized teams in the league, and UC Berkeley, the runner-up for the Pac-8 Championship for the 2024-2025 with an undefeated regular season that same year.

For the first game, UCSD was severely understaffed, which they referred to as a “skeleton crew”, starting the game with only eight skaters and two goalies. The first game did not begin as the Tritons had hoped, as they saw a goal from a potent SJ offense within the first two minutes of the game, and another at the halfway point. Despite potting one of their own with a goal from senior Alex Tatoian (#28) assisted by Ken Rolnick (#56) after killing the first penalty of the game, the Spartans quickly responded with another of their own. The second period was a much more evenly played period, with Alex Tatoian (#28) scoring an unassisted goal and the Spartans responding immediately. The second period also saw the transformation of goalie Isaac Laddon (#32) into winger Isaac Laddon (#32). Forever the team player, Isaac volunteered to play an unfamiliar position after seeing his teammates exhausted after the first period, never backing down when he was called upon. Luckily, in the second period, “the cavalry” arrived in the form of rookie Tristan Lee (#10), who provided another set of much-needed fresh legs. In the third, however, the wheels fell off, and the Spartans hammered away at the net, scoring another six unanswered goals. Given the difficult odds the Tritons faced, they put up a valiant effort, especially Alex Tatoian (#28) with the only two Triton goals for the night, and goalie Matthew Mahlow (#86) with another admirable performance. Hopefully, they can create more offense tomorrow with a full squad.

With a good night’s rest and more than double the players, the Tritons prepared to tackle the Spartans again. The bench erupted when junior Alex Nakashima (#8) buried the first goal, assisted by Alex Tatoian (#28) and Arick Collander (#25). Goaltender Isaac Laddon (#32) played an incredible first period until a Spartan player tried to take off his glove while he was making a save. The resulting scrum that ensued resulted in Isaac being removed from the game, and Matthew Mahlow (#86) subbing in for him. Unfortunately, SJSU scored two quick ones before the end of the period, putting UCSD down a goal going into the second. Unfortunately, the second and third periods were a hometown show in San Jose, with SJSU controlling the scoreboard and the Tritons mainly controlling the penalty box. Although it was a frustrating game against a beatable team, UCSD hopes to bounce back with two more games this weekend.

For game three of four, the Tritons traveled further north, deep into Oakland, CA, to take on UC Berkeley. In the first period, the Golden Bears dominated the scoreboard, scoring four unanswered goals. UCSD recuperated in the locker room before the second period, trying to stop the bleeding, which they were more successful at in the second period by adjusting some lines and, significantly, moving defenseman Peter Dukakis (#24) up to the forward position. Most of the second period saw no scoring from either team, with impressive work by Matthew Mahlow between the pipes to keep Berkeley at bay. Finally, after a dropped puck right in the crease by the Golden Bear goaltender and a hard forecheck from Peter Dukakis (#24), the fourth-year Triton was able to capitalize and pot the first Triton goal of the game. The Tritons hoped that this would be the momentum shift they needed, the turning point in the game. Unfortunately, this was not the case, as the Golden Bears scored one just a mere 36 seconds after Peter’s goal, and another one with one second left in the second. The third period saw two more unanswered goals from Berkeley. Although the final score did not reflect the effort put in by the Tritons, they hung their hat on their ability to stop an extremely offensively skilled UC Berkeley team. If they could have a faster start and score a few more, maybe they would have a chance.

The fourth and final game of the travel weekend featured a worn UCSD team that refused to give up, a hallmark of the UCSD playing style over the past few years. But instead, the Tritons were unable to start the offensive bullet train that was the Golden Bears. With thirty unanswered goals throughout the game, the Tritons were at a loss for what to do next. Despite five home team penalties, UCSD could not capitalize on the power play, and actually, Berkeley scored twice while shorthanded. Needless to say, the game fell short of expectations, although much of the blame could be attributed to the scheduling of four consecutive road games. The Tritons, now back home, are rebuilding their lineup, plays, and game plan for better outcomes in the future. They won’t quit, and they won’t back down. We will see how it pans out for them next week against SDSU’s D1 team and then back on the road in Bellingham for two games against Western Washington University.