When sophomore forward Gretchen Leyendecker (Rochester, MN, Lourdes) scored the first goal of the game midway through the first period, head coach Pat Michaud had to smile. Entering the game boasting a 6-1-2 record when scoring first the College of Saint Benedict (8-8-4, 6-8-4 MIAC) didn't disappoint capitalizing on the goal en route to their 4-1 victory today over Saint Mary's. The win combined with a Saint Olaf win and Saint Catherine tie brought the Blazers into a three way tie for the last playoff spot. 17 conference games later the Blazers entire season and hope for their first playoff berth since the 2002 season had come down to their head to head matchups between the three teams. Saint Olaf, winning three of four games played against Saint Benedict and Saint Catherine emerged the victor out the tiebreaker and now heads to the playoffs.

While perhaps leaving a bitter taste knowing just how close they came, the Blazers have nothing to hang their head about; improving dramatically from last years 4-12-2 finish and their predicted ninth place finish this year in the MIAC.

“I just feel awful for the seniors,” said first-year defender Katherine Hansen (Apple Valley, MN, Apple Valley). “We all put in so much work and to come so close…it will definitely motivate us for next season.”

Picking up the action in the second two seniors were able to put one final exclamation point to their fantastic careers as senior forward Ashley Davenport (Inver Grove Heights, MN, Simley) and senior forward Abby Milton (Maple Grove, MN, Maple Grove) both scored putting the Blazers up 3-0. Davenport's goal, her fourth on the year was assisted by first year center Jennifer Yelle (Coon Rapids, MN, Coon Rapids). Milton's goal coming at 08:31 essentially put the game on ice as the team turned to first-year goalie Lauren Herzog (Mendota Heights, MN, Convent of the Visitation) to finish the game for them. Herzog again was solid in the net making 23 saves off of 24 shots. First-year forward Amie Ernst (North Mankato, MN, Mankato Loyola) scored the team's final goal in the third period putting the team up 4-1.

As the Blazers great season comes to a close, the team comes away with many positive memories and great chances to break into the playoffs come next season.

Box Score