The No. 8 ISU hockey team traveled to Athens, Ohio, for a weekend at the Central States Collegiate Hockey League Tournament, but went home early after a first-round loss to No. 11 Illinois on Friday.

Last time they met, the Cyclones (26-9-5) swept the two-game series against the Illini (14-16-1) in Champaign, Ill. On Friday, the Cyclones were defeated 5-1.

A four-goal second period had the Illini up 5-0 before Jon Feavel, a sophomore forward, tallied the Cyclones’ only goal of the game and made it 5-1. Sophomore defenseman Matt Bennett had the assist to Feavel’s goal.

Senior goaltender Paul Karus only made eight saves on 12 shots before ISU coach Al Murdoch took him out and replaced him with freshman Jared Anderson.

Anderson finished the game stopping 10 of 11 Illini shots and only allowed one goal.

The Cyclones have one more two-game series Friday and Saturday night at home against Waldorf College before traveling to Kent, Ohio, for the American Collegiate Hockey Association National Tournament. Friday night will be senior night at the Ames/ISU Ice Arena.