EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Rhinos saw their playoff run come to an end Thursday night, falling 4-1 to the top-seeded Lone Star Brahmas in Game 3 of the South Division Finals.
El Paso entered the matchup facing elimination, trailing the series 2-0 and needing a win to extend their season.
The Rhinos struck first midway through the opening period when Alexi Gregoire buried a top-shelf finish after a loose puck, giving El Paso an early 1-0 lead.
But the Brahmas responded quickly. Just four minutes later, Jackson Vaites found the back of the net to even the game at 1-1 heading into the end of the first period.
Lone Star took control early in the second. Less than two minutes into the period, Vincenzo Capano scored on a rebound to put the Brahmas ahead 2-1.
Later in the frame, Denver Damphousse also capitalized on a rebound opportunity, extending the lead to 3-1.
Christian Venticinque scored the Brahmas’ fourth and final goal of the game to push the lead up to 4-1 with 2:58 left in the third period.
Despite being outshot by El Paso (35-23), the Brahmas held firm defensively the rest of the way to seal the victory.
With the loss, the Rhinos see their season come to an end.
With the win, Lone Star claims the South Division title and advances to the NAHL Robertson Cup.
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