WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass.-An early miscue ended up in the net, and that was all it took as the Air Force Falcons took the back half of the weekend series with American International ice hockey, 2-0, splitting the season series.

AIC sits at 4-13 overall, 4-7 in the AHA, while the Falcons improve to 10-4-3, 5-3-3 in league play.

At 1:39 of the first, Air Force left wing Tony Thomas took a pass from center George Michalke and put it home from the top of the crease for what ended up being the winning goal in a defensive struggle.

Both teams had chances-most notably, Falcons rookie A.J. Reid fumbling the puck on a two-on-none breakaway-but after the initial tally, neither freshman netminder allowed a goal, with Falcons right wing Cole Gunner hitting an empty net with 8.3 left in regulation.

Hunter Leisner (Garland, Texas) took the loss despite stopping 31 of 32 shots that he faced, while his classmate and opposition, Chris Truehl, made all 17 stops in his first career win and shutout in his first collegiate start.

AIC will next head to Buffalo, N.Y. to take on the Niagara Purple Eagles in a weekend set that starts Friday, January 10 at 7:05 p.m.