Razorbacks Split Weekend Series with Missouri in Jefferson City

The University of Arkansas Division 3 Razorbacks opened their 2025–26 season with a weekend series in Jefferson City, Missouri, taking on the University of Missouri Tigers. It was a series that had a little bit of everything—early fireworks, hard lessons, and a big Saturday response that showed what this group is capable of.

Friday Night Heartbreak

The Razorbacks came out flying in Friday’s opener, storming to a 4–1 lead after the first period. But the second frame told a different story, as Missouri struck for four unanswered goals, flipping the score to 5–4 heading into the third.

Captain Zach Kilgore (#75) gave the Hogs life with a clutch goal to tie the game 5–5, but a Missouri 2-on-1 rush late in the third proved to be the difference. Despite heavy pressure in the closing minutes, the Razorbacks couldn’t find the equalizer and dropped a 6–5 decision.

“You don’t win the championship the first game of the season,” said Head Coach Greg Betzold. “But it’s disappointing. We were up 4–1 early, and we stopped playing in the second period. Missouri took advantage, and we couldn’t respond. It’s frustrating because we were the better team for most of the game—but if you stop moving your feet and doing the little things right, you will lose. We’ll use this as a learning experience for our young group, watch the video, and come back stronger. The real test is how we respond tomorrow.”

Saturday Redemption

Respond they did. Missouri struck first to take a 1–0 lead, but the Razorbacks quickly answered with three straight goals to carry a 3–1 advantage into the first intermission. This time, the Hogs didn’t let the lead slip away.

Arkansas poured it on in the second and third, scoring three more unanswered to build a commanding 7–1 lead. While the Tigers managed three late goals, the Razorbacks held firm and closed out a convincing 7–4 victory to earn the series split.

Weekend Standouts

It was a breakout weekend for the “Pink Line” trio of Thomas Verble (#43), Will Sloan (#16), and Jack Lubhan (#63):

Thomas Verble (Senior Assistant Captain) finished the weekend with a team-leading six points (three goals, three assists), setting the tone as both a scorer and playmaker.

Will Sloan added one goal and four assists across the two games.

Jack Lubhan contributed two goals and two assists, finishing with a team-best +4 rating.

On the back end, newcomer Darrell “Smitty” Smith (#4) was a force. Beyond steady defensive play and two assists, Smith delivered one of the weekend’s most memorable moments—a full-ice, 10-foot-high saucer pass that dropped perfectly onto Lubhan’s tape in full stride, springing him for a breakaway goal. It was a true highlight-reel play from the hard-nosed defender and drew big cheers from the Razorback bench.

Captain Zach Kilgore chipped in with a strong all-around performance—one goal, two assists, and a +3 rating. Freshman forward Deacon Rose (just 18 years old) made an immediate impression, picking up one goal and two assists in his debut weekend.

In net, Elisha Caine (#32) earned the Saturday victory, stopping 28 shots with an 87.5% save percentage.

Building Momentum

Coach Betzold praised his group’s ability to bounce back:

“Losing after having a big lead can feel like a kick in the chops, but the boys responded and answered the bell. You can feel an exciting energy with this group. Big things lie ahead for us.”

Senior Assistant Captain Thomas Verble echoed the sentiment:

“This weekend was a great learning experience. It was a great opportunity to really gel with my line and teammates and learn what we’re capable of.”

The Razorbacks now turn their attention to next weekend’s road trip to Shreveport, Louisiana, where they’ll face East Texas Baptist University.