Roller hockey defeated Arizona State 5-2 Thursday to finish play in Pool A undefeated and earn the top seed in the elimination bracket at the 2018 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association Division I Championship at the Southwest Youth Ice Arena in Fargo, North Dakota.  The Lions opened up a 4-0 lead in the contest early in the third period and held off the Sun Devils the rest of the way.

Daniel Rosse put Lindenwood on the board at 5:56 in the first on a play set up by Nick DellaMorte and Tyler Watson.  Cody Page made it 2-0 with just 10 second remaining on a power play opportunity.

Defense ruled the second period with only one goal combined.  Nickolas Schnelle split the pipes on another Lions power play at 9:34, assisted by DellaMorte and Jalen Krogman.

Steve Farina gave Lindenwood its biggest lead at 4-0 early in the final frame when he hit the back of the net on an unassisted play at 1:10.  After two Arizona State goals made it 4-2, the Lions stopped the bleeding and added another unassisted tally from DellaMorte with just 16 seconds of regulation left.

Lindenwood outshot the Sun Devils 23-18 and Jacob Robinson earned his third straight victory at the championship with 16 saves on 18 shots.  DellaMorte was named Star #1 with a goal and two assists, Schnelle earned Star #2 honors with a goal and assist, and Farina was named Star #3 with one goal.

The Lions enter elimination play with an overall record of 25-1.  They will face a familiar opponent on Friday in the University of Missouri.  The Tigers, a fellow member of the Great Plains Collegiate Inline Hockey League, defeated Temple 8-5 Thursday night to earn the final spot in the bracket.  The opening faceoff takes place at 12:15 p.m. Friday at the Southwest Youth Ice Arena in Fargo.