Notables
-Aurora's first win over CSS
-CSS' first loss this season when outshooting opponent
-CSS needs to win Saturday and have help to have a chance at hosting the first round of the NCHA Playoffs
DULUTH, Minn. (
csssaints.com) – The St. Scholastica women's hockey team was 0-for-5 on the power-play, including 0-for-3 in the third period as Aurora University (Ill.) took game one of an important late-season Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) series 2-0 Friday night at Mars Lakeview Arena.
How it Happened
The Saints outshot the Spartans 11-3 in the first period with two power-plays, but the contest was scoreless after 20 minutes. Aurora came out in the second period and put four shots on goal before CSS' first shot on target. The fourth Spartan shot would be a goal to make it 1-0 six minutes into the period.
Following a St. Scholastica penalty, Aurora extended the lead to 2-0 with a power-play goal with seven minutes remaining in the period. The Spartans outshot the Saints 12-5 in the second period.
The Saints would have three power-play chances in the third period, including two within the final five minutes. Unfortunately, CSS only had four shots on goal within the four minutes of 5-on-4 and 6-on-4 as the Spartans prevailed 2-0.
Goaltending
Lexi Thomeczek (St. Louis, Mo./St. Joseph Academy (St. Louis AAA Blues)) had 19 saves for the Saints, while Chiara Pfosi had 25 saves to earn the shutout for the Spartans.
Up Next
The Saints (10-9-3, 7-4-2 NCHA) will have their final regular season home game tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon against the Spartans (16-6-0, 10-3-0 NCHA). It will be Senior Day at Mars Lakeview Arena as CSS will honor its six seniors prior to the 4 p.m. puck drop.
