In an exciting and well played game by both teams, the College of Saint Benedict (2-4-0 MIAC, 4-4-0 overall) lost 3-1 to the University of Saint Thomas this afternoon. Playing at the MAC in Saint Cloud the Blazers were able to rally in the third period, before Saint Thomas put the game out of reach scoring with just over a minute left.

The Tommies were able to get on the scoreboard first when first-year Rachel Zilles scored at 13:16 on the Blazers sophomore goalie Abbie Helminen (Brighton, MI, Brighton (Belle Tire)). The two teams then battled back and forth throughout the rest of the first and second periods. Saint Benedict had its share of chances on power play opportunities in the second, but was unable to get one of their 13 shots for the period to find the back of the net.

Entering the beginning of the third and finding themselves down 2-0, the team stepped it up a notch and with just over five minutes left in the game persistence paid off as first-year defender Rachel Welz (Oconomowoc, WI, Oconomowoc) scored, assisted by first-year forward Katelyn Bounds (Anchorage, AK, Bartlett) and first-year center Jennifer Yelle (Coon Rapids, MN, Coon Rapids). With 1:08 left in the game and the Blazers knocking on the door, Saint Thomas was able to corral a shot that hit the crossbar and knock it in the net giving them the 3-1 victory.

In a game that showed the Blazers can skate with the best in the MIAC, the team was able to put a tough loss the night before behind them. Helminen had another strong game for CSB making 21 saves. First-year forward Kerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) lead the Blazers with four shots on goal, while senior forward Ashley Davenport (Inver Grove Heights, MN, Simley) and first-year forward Amie Ernst (North Mankato, MN, Mankato Loyola) each finished with three. Sophomore forward Gretchen Leyendecker (Rochester, MN, Lourdes) led all players on the ice winning 15 faceoffs for the Blazers.

"You never want to lose, but we put ourselves in a position to win,” said head coach Pat Michaud. “We played a team game today with all six players on the ice and gave ourselves a chance.”

The Blazers have one more gave in December, an exhibition against the College of Saint Scholastica on the ninth. The game is at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center with faceoff scheduled for 7:45.

Box Score