Sophomore forward Gretchen Leyendecker (Rochester, MN, Lourdes) had a night to remember recording a hat trick and an assist in leading the College of Saint Benedict (3-4-0 MIAC, 5-4-0 overall) to a convincing 5-1 win against Augsburg College tonight at the MAC in Saint Cloud. Leyendecker wasted no time making her presence known scoring a mere 18 seconds into the game off an assist by sophomore forward Holly Reinking (Maple Grove, MN, Elk River). Augsburg proved to be way overmatched by Saint Benedict, with the Blazers controlling every aspect of the game, including outshooting the Auggies 61-20.

The Blazers came out blazing getting quality after quality looks at the net off of breakaways, well timed feeds to the middle, and power plays. The team headed to the locker room after the second period up 2-0 after first-year defender Rachel Welz (Oconomowoc, WI, Oconomowoc) scored assisted by Leyendecker and senior forward Patty King (St. Paul, MN, Cretin-Derham Hall). Leyendecker's two goals in the second period iced the game for the Blazers. After Augsburg scored their first goal late in the third period, first-year forward Kerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) made sure they didn't get any closer scoring just before the period ended assisted by senior defender Stephanie Kendrick (Osceola, WI, New Richmond)and first-year center Jennifer Yelle (Coon Rapids, MN, Coon Rapids).

Sophomore goalie Abbie Helminen (Brighton, MI, Brighton (Belle Tire)) saw her third shutout of the year slip through after Augsburg scored their first goal off a breakaway shot. Helminen had another good day in the net stopping 19 of 20 shots that came her way.

After their route tonight, the Blazers look to finish the series Jan. 17 at the Augsburg Ice Arena. Head Coach Pat Michaud said that while the team played well tonight, they need to stay focused and remember they have three more periods to go. Face-off for tomorrow's game is set for 2:15 pm.

Box Score