Notables
-Anderson and Thompson extend point streaks
-CSS is 6-0 when it scores first
-The Saints scored four power-play goals
-UWS committed 10 penalties combined between the second and third periods
DULUTH, Minn. (
csssaints.com) - The St. Scholastica women's hockey team held off the University of Wisconsin-Superior for a 5-2 win Tuesday night, after the Saints secured the victory with two late third period goals. This is the first time CSS has ever won back-to-back games in the series against the Yellowjackets.
The Action
Three minutes into the first period, the Saints got things off to an early start with a quick goal.
Courtney Bloemke (Nicollet, Minn./Mankato West HS) and
Amber Tilander (International Falls, Minn./Falls HS) assisted to
Paige Forsman (Cokato, Minn./Dassel-Cokato HS) whose pass deflected off a UWS skater and into the net. CSS could not keep up the momentum and the 1-0 tally carried over into the second.
The Saints scored two power play goals in the second period. Almost seven minutes into the second, a penalty was called on UWS for interference, putting St. Scholastica on a power-play opportunity. Just as the power play was about to expire,
Rachel Anderson (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View HS) and
Taylor Thompson (Buffalo, Minn./Buffalo HS) assisted to
Kayla Kasel (Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake HS) for the first goal of the second, strengthening the lead to 2-0.
Now nine minutes into the second, another penalty was called on Superior for checking. The Saints were able to score of this power-play opportunity as well, with Tilander and
Greta Nundahl (New Brighton, Minn./Irondale HS) on the assist and Bloemke closing the deal with the goal.
Up 3-0, the Saints almost went into the third period with a commanding lead. But with a minute left in the second, the Yellowjackets scored, pushing the score to 3-1 going into the third.
UWS made things interesting scoring seven minutes into the period to bring the tally to 3-2. However, penalties would hurt the Yellowjackets as St. Scholastica was able to score off of two more power play opportunities throughout the period. With 10 minutes left in the game, Anderson scored off of a Kasel and Thompson assist to give St. Scholastica the 4-2 advantage.
The second and last power play goal of the period was scored with 20 seconds left. Bloemke and
Kennedy Houge (Woodbury, Minn./Hill-Murray HS) assisted to
Mariah Haedrich (Hermantown, Minn./Hermantown HS). Haedrich's first collegiate goal put CSS at the final tally of 5-2.
Goaltending
St. Scholastica goaltender
Lexi Thomeczek (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph Academy (St. Louis AAA Blues)) stopped 31 of 33 shots on goals to earn the win. UWS' Catherine Johnson saved 26 of 31 shots.
Up Next
The Saints (8-3-1) return after the New Year to host Saint Anselm College (N.H.) on Friday, January 4. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
