Notables
-Non-conference game between league teams
-CSS never trailed in the game
-Josephson scored the first goal of the game and of the season at Mars Arena.
-Five different CSS players scored on the night.
-Saints goaltender, Hunt, recorded 18.

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DULUTH, Minn. (csssaints.com) -- In what turned out to be a thriller back and forth home opener, the St. Scholastica women's hockey team narrowly defeated St. Norbert College 5-4 at Mars Lakeview Arena on Friday night. 
 
Getting Things Started
CSS came into tonight's contest with a 1-2-0 record and, fittingly enough, were tied for third in the preseason poll with their opponent, St. Norbert. The two teams were seen as closely matched before the first puck of the season was dropped and continued so for 60 minutes of play.
 
The Saints were first to strike almost halfway through the first period when Katie Josephson (Maple Grove, Minn./Maple Grove HS) scored an unassisted goal at 9:37 into the game. This was Josephson's second goal of the year and was immediately followed up less than one minute later.
 
Anja Kadijevic (Zagreb, Croatia/General HS (Lindenwood)) pushed the Saints lead to two off an assist from Lindsey Wright (Anchorage, Alaska/Grace Christian HS (Team Alaska U19)) 34 seconds later, finding the back of the net for the first time this season.
 
Back and Forth
The Green Knights were given a chance to respond when CSS was called for goaltender interference, and St. Norbert responded promptly. Emily Chandler got one by Saints goaltender, Kristen Hunt (Winnipeg, Manitoba/West Kildonan), 13:20 into the first period, cutting St. Scholastica's lead to one.
 
However, extending the lead for CSS with less than three minutes left in the period was Kadijevic, her second of the game, after a scramble in front of the net. The goal was assisted by Brandi Malwitz (Thief River Falls, Minn./Lincoln HS) and Lindsey Wright (Anchorage, Alaska/Grace Christian HS (Team Alaska U19)).  
 
Up by two now, the Saints were looking pretty going into the second period if they could only hold on for two and a half minutes. Unfortunately for the home team, 21 seconds after the CSS goal Jessica Sherman scored the Green Knights second goal of the game, again cutting the Saints lead to one heading into the second.
 
Second Period
Clearly it was all about offense early on in the game, but both teams rebooted and played a much stronger defensive game in the second period. Selena Stromer for St. Norbert did however tie up the game 12:28 into the period and the momentum was all on the side of the opponent.
 
CSS responded quickly thanks to a roughing penalty which opened the door for Taylor Guzzo (Silver Bay, Minn./William Kelley HS (UW-River Falls)) to take the lead for St. Scholastica yet again with under four minutes left in the period.
 
Finishing Strong
The nail-biter of a home opener continued to go back and forth into the third period with CSS losing the lead off a goal from Reaghan Chadwick, already her third of the season. With the score now all knotted up and the clock ticking the fans at Mars Lakeview Arena were on their feet and watching as the halfway point of the third period passed by.
 
The fans would not be disappointed. After a faceoff win by Amanda Broman (Mankato, Minn./Mankato East HS), Abby Sawyer (Owatonna, Minn./Owatonna HS) was given the opportunity to take the lead for the Saints, an opportunity which she took in stride. Sawyer scored the game winning goal, her third of the season, off an assist from Broman and Josephson. After a few close calls St. Scholastica held on for the victory and defended home ice with a 5-4 victory.
 
Up Next
St. Norbert will get another shot at CSS Saturday at Mars Lakeview Arena. This time Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) points will be on the line. The action is set to take place at 2 p.m.