BOX SCORE

The College of Saint Benedict (2-10-2, 0-5-2 MIAC) knew they would have to be at their best with eight time conference champion Gustavus Adolphus coming to town. The Gusties boast one of the top lineups in the MIAC and play like a veteran team despite carrying eight first-years on the roster. 

For 20 minutes in the first period, the high level, fast paced play displayed by both teams kept the crowd of roughly 90 at the MAC in Saint Cloud riveted on the ice. The Blazers used precision passing to record three quality scoring chances while getting off nine shots on goal. With just over five minutes left in the period, Gustavus broke the scoreless tie, squeezing a goal past sophomore goalie Lauren Herzog (Mendota Heights, MN, Convent of the Visitation). Herzog, who stopped 44 shots on goal, was phenomenal in the net for the Blazers continuously keeping rebounds in tight and not giving the Gusties second looks. Playing just under three periods, Herzog saw over 50 shots come her way en route to making many big saves on the night.

Heading into the third period with a 2-0 lead, Gustavus was able to take advantage of minor Blazer mistakes in a five goal outburst that put the team ultimately ahead for good 7-1. Sophomore forward Kerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) used an unassisted goal grabbing her own rebound in getting Saint Benedict on the scoreboard at 18:23 in the third period.

“We put ourselves in the position we needed to be in for the first two periods,” head coach Pat Michaud said about the Blazers play. “Disappointed with the final outlook but we learned a lot of lessons. In the third period as a team we stopped moving our feet against a good team. We gave them an opening and they took advantage.”

Graske lead all Blazers with four shots on net. She was followed by first year forward Kaley Flynn (West St. Paul, MN, Henry Sibley High School) and sophomore forward Amie Ernst (North Mankato, MN, Mankato Loyola)who both recorded three shots on net.

The Blazers and Gusties finish their series tomorrow afternoon in Saint Peter, MN. The puck drops at 2 pm.