BLAINE, Minn. – The Saint Scholastica Women's Hockey team traveled to Blaine today to play the second game in a two-game series. Coming off a very close 2-1 overtime loss last night, the Saints desperately needed a win tonight, however, the game would go in the favor of the Royals, who would best the Saints 4-0.
What Happened
The Saints, motivated from last night's game, hit the ice to start the first period hard. They would win the opening face off giving them the park to start tonight off. The Royals made it clear they had the same fire propelling them, it was clear in their defense. In the first 20 minutes, they would only allow the Saints to attempt five shots, the Saints having some great talent on their team could get four of those on net, giving them an 80% on-target shooting percentage this period.
On the other side of the ice the Royals would also dominate this period, they would put up 22 shots, getting 14 on target, and landing one goal to give them a lead early in the game. The period would end with a score of 1-0 and tension in the air.
Period two would start much the same as the first, the Saints would win the first draw once again giving them the opening possession. The Saints turned their offense up a notch this period getting off nearly twice as many shots on net, they recorded nine total shots in the period, seven of which were on target. That being said, the Royals were held off a little bit, shots-wise this period, only being allowed 16 shots, seven of which were on target.
Kieley Currow, who was in net for the Saints tonight, put up a great fight in between the pipes, unfortunately, the Royals were able to bury two of those shots, one of which being on a powe-rplay, expanding their lead to three goals over the Saints. The second period would end with a lop-sided score of 3-0 in favor of the Royals.
The final 20 minutes would see a noticeable increase in the intensity and pace of the game. The Saints could not secure the opening possession of the game, so they had to buckle down on defense to open the third. The Saints did just that. Through all 20 minutes of the period, we would finally see the Saints outshoot the Royals, getting 15 total shots, and landing eight on target.
However, unlike the Royals, none of those shots would see the back of the net. The Royals on the other hand would only be allowed 10 shots in the period, seven of which would land on target. Much to the chagrin of the Saints, one of those seven would see the back of the net, and seal the game for the Saints. The game would come to a very unfortunate close, with a final score of 4-0.
Goaltending
Currow would play all 60 minutes of the game for the Saints, she would face 28 shots and register 24 saves.
Anna Hanson would play all 60 minutes of the game for the Royals, she would face 19 shots and register 19 saves, giving her a shutout.
Whats Next
The Saints (7-13-1 6-7-1 MIAC) will host the Cardinals of Saint Mary's University (16-5-0, 10-4-0 MIAC) at Mars Lakeview arena, in the first of a two game series on Friday, February 9th. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.
