Duluth, Minn. – The Saint Scholastica Women's hockey team hosted the Cobbers of Concordia-Moorhead tonight, in the first of a two-game MIAC Conference home series. Tonight's bout against the Cobbers saw the Saints scrambling for position, but falling short late in the third, ending with a final score of 5-3. 

How it Happened

First Period
St. Scholastica wasted no time establishing pressure, winning the opening faceoff, and creating early looks from Greta Culshaw-Klein (Maplewood, MN/Tartan HS) and Kendra Royer (Duluth, MN/Duluth Marshall HS). Concordia–Moorhead responded with several chances of their own, but goaltender Makenzie Cole (Cohasset, MN/Grand Rapids HS) was sharp early, turning aside attempts from the Cobbers.

At 5:55, the Saints broke through first as Sophie Parendo (Proctor, MN/Proctor HS) finished an even-strength scoring play, with feeds from Morgan Mitchell (Farmington, MN/Farmington HS) and Culshaw-Klein, giving the Saints a 1–0 lead and igniting the home crowd.

Concordia–Moorhead answered late in the period. At 15:55, the Cobbers netted their first goal of the game, tying things up at 1-1.

The Saints responded quickly. Just over two minutes later, at 18:11, Gabby Gamst (Moose Lake, MN/Moose Lake HS) restored the Saints' lead, burying an even-strength goal assisted by Paige Blattner (Avon, MN/River Lakes HS) and Royer. St. Scholastica closed the opening frame ahead 2–1, controlling momentum heading into intermission.

Second Period
The Saints opened the second period, continuing to generate pressure, with chances from Grace Chapman (Blaine, MN/Blaine HS), Bailey Coole (Duluth, MN/Duluth East HS), and Katie Sandelin (Hermantown, MN/Hermantown HS). Cole remained steady in the net, making key saves to preserve the lead.

At 17:26, Concordia–Moorhead found the equalizer. The Cobbers scored at even strength, tying the game 2–2 heading into the second intermission.

Third Period
Just 2:00 into the frame, Gamst netted her second goal of the night, finishing a clean even-strength chance off assists from Suzi Vidmar (Boise, Idaho./Timberline HS) and Isabella Brama (Minneapolis, MN/Academy of Holy Angels) to give the Saints a 3–2 advantage.

Concordia–Moorhead tied the game again at 6:11, mounting pressure early in the third with a 3-3 tie. 

Midway through the period, the Saints continued to battle in all three zones. Lyndi Schubert (Mantorville, MN/Kasson-Mantorville HS), Parendo, and Sandelin helped kill off pressure with blocked shots and strong puck support.

At 11:42, Concordia–Moorhead capitalized on a power play, scoring the eventual game-winning goal and putting the Cobbers ahead 4–3.

Just over a minute later, at 12:53, Concordia added an unassisted goal to extend the lead to 5–3.

The Saints did not quit. After drawing a tripping penalty at 17:04, St. Scholastica pulled the goalie and went on the power play, creating a flurry of late chances. Schubert, Hanley Block (Alexandria, MN/Alexandria HS), Royer, and Bailey Coole (Duluth, MN/Duluth East HS) all fired shots in the final minutes, but the equalizer would not come before time expired.

Goaltending
Saints, Makenzie Cole (Cohasset, MN/Grand Rapids HS): Played 57:07, faced 39 shots, recorded 35 saves, save percentage, .897
Cobbers, Abby Huselid: Played 60:00, faced 29 shots, recorded 26 saves, save percentage, .896 

What's Next
The Saints (5-8-1, 0-5-1 MIAC) will host the second of a two game series against the Cobbers (6-8-0, 3-4-0 MIAC) tomorrow, Saturday, January 17. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:00 pm.