The College of Saint Benedict (6-7-1, 4-7-1 MIAC) knew this weekend's series against reigning MIAC champion Gustavus would be a measuring stick of just how far they have come from last year's 4-16-2 finish. And while the Blazers dropped the game 4-1 to the Gusties this afternoon in Saint Peter, the team heads back with a sense they are closing the gap.

Head coach Pat Michaud saw progress over the weekend saying “To beat a team like that you have to get a couple of breaks and not give them power-play opportunities like we did; and that was the difference. There are some things as a team we need to brush up on, but I thought we got stronger and stronger throughout the game.”

Shots and power-play opportunities were the difference maker this afternoon as the Gusties rolled to three goals on power-play advantages while outshooting the Blazers 38-8 during the game. Skating with the Gusties every period, Saint Benedict could not catch a break until 12:50 in the third when first-year forward Amie Ernst (North Mankato, MN, Mankato Loyola) scored her seventh goal on the season cutting into the four goal deficient while bringing the score to 4-1. Ernst was assisted by first-year forward Kerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) and senior defender/forward Stephanie Kendrick (Osceola, WI, New Richmond). While showing potential the rest of the period, CSB was unable to bring the score any closer.

Sophomore goalie Abbie Helminen (Brighton, MI, Brighton (Belle Tire)) started her sixth straight game for the Blazers, compiling 34 goals off of 38 Gustavus shots.

Saint Benedict returns home to the MAC for two games next weekend as Concordia comes to town. The team will be celebrating parent day during the February 6-7 series that starts at 7:30 pm on Friday.

Box Score