Colorado College dropped an 11-10 season-opening decision to Illinois Wesleyan on Friday evening.

The game featured six ties and multiple lead changes, with Illinois Wesleyan scoring the go-ahead goal with 1:42 remaining in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

Colorado College (0-1) built early momentum as junior Aidan Niklaus scored the Tigers' first goal of the season and later added two more in the opening half. CC led 3-2 after the first quarter and extended the advantage to 7-4 by halftime after outscoring Illinois Wesleyan 4-2 in the second period.

Illinois Wesleyan responded with a strong third quarter, scoring three straight goals to tie the game at 7-7 before junior Gavin Pope put CC back in front with 1:07 remaining in the period.

The fourth quarter featured continued back-and-forth play. sophomore Matthew Collina gave CC a 9-8 lead midway through the period, but Illinois Wesleyan answered with two goals in 29 seconds to take its first lead of the half. freshman Harrison Yu tied the game at 10-10 with 3:23 remaining before Illinois Wesleyan scored the eventual game-winner with 1:42 left.

Niklaus led CC with four goals and one assist. junior Matt Hudson and sophomore Liam Goodwin each recorded a goal and an assist, while junior Wyatt Furda added one goal.

Colorado College held advantages in shots (47-44) and faceoffs (13-12), while Illinois Wesleyan controlled ground balls, 50-45.

In goal, senior Robert Spence recorded 15 saves in 46 minutes, while freshman Sam Rich added five saves in relief.

IWU was led by Noah Dretzka and Jake Kahoun, who each scored three goals.