On Friday night, the UCSD Tritons played their first game of the 2025-2026 season against the Cal State Fullerton Titans. Unfortunately, they did not have the start they hoped for, going down by three goals in the first period. Even a Powerplay late in the first after a Titan cross-check did not prove fruitful for UCSD.

The second period brought two more goals from Fullerton, but the Tritons were starting to find their stride, working on their chemistry between players in week-old lines. Seven minutes into the second, Alternate Captain Adrian Chavez (#4) defended himself from a blindside hit, reinvigorating the Tritons and reminding them of the "never-back-down" mentality they have become known for throughout the league in past seasons. Goalie Isaac Laddon (#32), throughout the first and second, continued to face endless shots and keep the Tritons in the game.

Motivated by an already better period, UCSD went into the third ready to change the course of their season opener. Their efforts paid off when, halfway through the third period, Captain Sean Miller (#16) breathed life into the UCSD offense with a hard-work goal after a long stint in the offensive zone, his first of the season. Goalie Matthew Mahlow (#86) finished off the game, slowing the Titan effort.

Although the final score is not what the Tritons had wanted, the growth throughout the game, including the significantly better final period, gives players and fans alike hope for a successful season. The UCSD Tritons look forward to their next game against the Titans on Saturday, playing for redemption. With the improvements made throughout the game, victory feels a few plays away.