Despite outshooting their opponent 35-20, the College of Saint Benedict lost their MIAC opener 6-2 to Saint Olaf College. The game which took place at the MAC in Saint Cloud featured the Blazers high scoring offense, which was unable to get any opportunities to go their way tonight.

The Oles struck first at 12:12 in the first period before the Blazers were able to tie it up on a goal by sophomore center Gretchen Leyendecker (Rochester, MN, Lourdes). She was assisted by senior forward Patty King (St. Paul, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall) and sophomore forward Holly Reinking (Maple Grove, MN, Elk River). Back out on the ice for the second period the Blazers lost no time, going up 2-1 as first-year forward Amie Ernst (North Mankato, MN, Mankato Loyola) scored assisted by first-year forward Kerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) and first-year center Jennifer Yelle (Coon Rapids, MN, Coon Rapids). The Blazers could only watch however as Saint Olaf scored four consecutive goals to close out the second period. CSB outshot Saint Olaf 12-8 in that period, including five quality scoring chances, but just couldn't get their shots to fall. The team had two shots hit the crossbar and post, including a rocket slap shot by senior forward Patty King (St. Paul, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall) which careened off the top of the crossbar.

“We had lots of missed opportunities tonight,” head coach Pat Michaud said of his team's performance. “We played well right up to the end, but couldn't quite get anything to fall. I think we let our inexperience show as we sat back after that second goal and let them work their way back into the game.”

The Blazers travel to Saint Olaf tomorrow to finish their series with the Oles. Faceoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Northfield Ice Arena.

Box Score