WARRENDALE — On one hand, it was a regular-season victory. On the other, it came against the two-time defending Penguins Cup Class A champion.

Mars forward Paul Maust scored on a breakaway with just 1:40 left in the game, lifting the Planets' ice hockey team to a 4-3 win over Quaker Valley Tuesday night at BladeRunners.

The Quakers had defeated Mars five straight times, including the last two Penguins Cup title games.

“They've had our number the last couple of years,” said Planets' coach Steve Meyers. “This is a step forward and a nice confidence booster for us. It shows we can play with anybody.”

Quaker Valley entered the game undefeated at 6-0, having out-scored its opponents 38-8. To that, Quakers' coach Kevin Quinn replied, “We played a much better team tonight.”

Tuesday's game had been tied at 3-all since Quaker Valley forward Connor Quinn scored with 4:30 remaining in the second period.

Maust, who also had two assists in the contest, tallied the game-winner after controlling the puck near the center line. He skated down the right side and then toward Quakers' goalie Parker Sherry. A defender did not arrive in time as Maust moved across the goal face and beat Sherry.

“I'm a freshman and that was my first varsity goal,” said Maust. “I noticed their defenseman was skating hard, but he wasn't quite back yet. When I saw the puck in the net, I was so happy. It feels good.”

The Quakers (6-1) took control of the game early, with a pair of goals from James Perkins at 11:04 and 6:33, respectively.

But Mars had tied the score by the end of the period as Nick Makozy scored a power play goal at 3:47 and then one during even strength with 35 seconds remaining in the period.

“That's Nick,” said Meyers. “Last year, he was second on the team in points and he's leading the team right now.”

Mars grabbed a brief 3-2 lead when Kyle Thomas beat Sherry at the 5:22 mark of the second period.

“We got off to a good start tonight,” said Coach Quinn, “but overall, it was not a good effort. We had a few sloppy shifts and the next thing you know, we're down 3-2.

Connor Quinn's goal came less than a minute after Thomas' tally.

“We knew if we play our system, we're tough to beat,” said Meyers. “We noticed a couple of things they (Quakers) were doing on their penalty kill and took advantage of them.

“We were the more physical team tonight,” he added.

And the more successful one.

Sherry made 31 saves while Tyler Spreng stopped 25 shots for the Planets (5-1).

“Defensively, we are a work in progress,” said Meyers. “We have a very young goalie and we try to shield him from a lot of shots. We have breakdowns, including a few tonight, but we're learning and I think we'll be fine.”

Also credited with assists for Mars were Ian Newman (2), Craig Mazzotta and Johnathan Kowalkowski.

The teams will meet again Jan. 24 at Airport Ice Arena.

“We know they'll be ready,” said Meyers.

Mars is out of action until it hosts Serra Catholic Dec. 10.