Duluth, Minn. – The Saint Scholastica Women's hockey team hosted the Cardinals of Saint Mary's University, today, January 31, in the second of a two-game MIAC Conference series. Today's game against the Cardinals ended with the Cardinals claiming a 4-1 win, splitting the weekend.
How it Happened
First Period
The opening period of today's game saw the Saints outplay the Cardinals, recording 13 shots on goal compared to the Cardinals six. The Saints offense was led by Greta Culshaw-Klein (Maplewood, MN/Tartan HS), Gabby Gamst (Moose Lake, MN/Moose Lake HS), and Alaina Hedberg (St. Paul, MN/Tartan HS) – Who scored three points herself last night against the Cardinals. All three of these Saints recorded three shots on goal in the first, carrying the Saints offense.
Even with the Saints' offensive pressure, they were unable to score in the opening 20 minutes, and so, the period ended with a 0-0 tie.
Second Period
Period two once again saw the Saints dominate offensively, outshooting the Cardinals 15-9. The difference this time around was the Saints ability to capitalize on their scoring chances.
Just under seven minutes into the period, Morgan Mitchell (Farmington, MN/Farmington HS) got the puck near the crease off a rebound from one of Gamsts' shots, and put the puck in the net, giving the Saints a one-goal lead. Gamst recorded an assist on this goal.
The Saints rounded out the period with more shots on net, notably Culshaw-Klein with two more to end the period.
Third Period
The final period did not go the way of the Saints, this time, they were outshot 6-19, and on their heels defensively throughout the period.
The first Cardinal goal came nearly 1:30 into the period, tying the game at 1-1.
The Saints made an effort to get back on offense, but were only able to attempt two shots that were both blocked before the net. Four minutes after the Cardinals first goal, they would rink in another, taking the lead in the game for the first time at 2-1.
Following the Cardinals' second goal, the Saints pushed harder for offensive momentum, attempting eight total shots to try and get back in it before ultimately pulling their goaltender, Makenzie Cole (Cohasset, MN/Grand Rapids HS).
It didn't take long for the Cardinals to capitalize on the empty net, widening the lead once more. The Cardinals weren't done, as with time winding down, they managed to land one final blow against the Saints, ending with a score of 4-1.
Goaltending
Saints, Makenzie Cole (Cohasset, MN/Grand Rapids HS): Played 59:24, faced 33 shots, recorded 30 saves, save percentage of .909.
Cardinals, Magali Fillion: Played 60:00. faced 34 shots, recorded 33 saves, save percentage of .971.
What's Next
The Saints (7-11-1, 2-8-1 MIAC) will travel to Northfield, Minn. to again play the Oles (9-9-0, 6-5-0 MIAC) of Saint Mary's University in the first of a two-game MIAC Conference series on Friday, February 6 at 6 PM.
