WATERLOO, IA - The Dubuque Fighting Saints (19-7-1-3, 42 pts) dropped a Sunday-night game 6-2 against the Waterloo Black Hawks (16-11-0-0, 32 pts).

After falling behind 2-0, the Fighting Saints clawed back with two power-play goals in the second period. Erik Påhlsson scored his 14th from Noah Powell and Jake Sondreal before Powell scored his 11th of the season later in the second period.

After the tying-goal, Waterloo responded with a power-play goal and an even-strength goal, the Saints entered the third period down a pair.

In the third, despite a few chances, the Saints were unable to solve goaltender Jack Spicer. The Saints launched 39 shots on goal in the loss on Sunday, with Spicer stopping 37. After blocking all 27 Saints shots on Saturday, Spicer kept Dubuque off the board most of Sunday's game as well.

The Saints power play scored twice in Sunday's game, but allowed a pair of power-play goals as well. 

Powell and Påhlsson each recorded multiple points in the loss with Påhlsson sitting just one point behind Sondreal for the league-lead. Sondreal has 35 points to tie with Madison's Austin Burnevik for most in the league.

The Fighting Saints return home to open 2024 on Friday against Muskegon, opening a two-game series in Dubuque.