PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. -- Fredonia dropped the first of its two North Country road games, 5-1, Friday night to the nationally ranked Plattsburgh Cardinals.

After freshman Luke Rivera (Pacific Palisades, Calif.) spotted the Blue Devils a 1-0 lead, the No. 5 Cardinals scored five unanswererd goals to the delight of the 2,042 fans in the Stafford Arena.

Rivera's goal was his third of the season, at 17:59 of the first period, gave him at least one point in each game this season.

Kevin Emmerling scored twice in the second period, his second one at 7:32 breaking a 1-1 tie. Pat Egan, Rich Botting, and Ross Sloan added third-period goals.

Brady Rouleau made 25 saves for the Cardinals, who improved to 2-0. Jeff Flagler (Owen Sound, Ont.) stopped 42 shots for Fredonia.

The Blue Devils take on Potsdam at 7 p.m. in Maxcy Hall.