Box Score

Tied 1-1 going into the final period of play, the College of Saint Benedict lost a well played match to 2009-2010 MIAC runner up Saint Catherine University tonight eventually falling 4-2 at the MAC in Saint Cloud, MN. 

The Blazers pulled ahead early in the third 2-1 when senior Gretchen Leyendecker's (Rochester, MN, Lourdes) shot found the back of the net.  The Wildcats stormed back however to take a 3-2 lead with less than a minute left. Saint Benedict, pulling senior goalie Abbie Helminen (Brighton, MI, Brighton (Belle Tire)) from the net for one last attempt to pull even in the game. Despite their efforts, the Blazers were unable to stop Wildcat forward Cassie Rooney who netted an empty net goal with 26 seconds left, putting the game out of reach.

"This was an extremely hard fought game for early season," head coach Pat Michaud said. "Overall I thought we showed we can compete with the top teams in MIAC.  It's disappointing we didn't get the win but all it did was raise expectations of what we can accomplish this year."

Junior Kerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) netted the first goal for the Blazers in the 2010-2011 regular season, evening the game at one apiece 17:70 into the first period. Graske was assisted on the play by first year forward Allyson Nielsen (Alexandria, MN, Jefferson High School).

Helminen made 27 saves for the Blazers while playing 59:17 in the net.

The Blazers are off until Sunday, when they welcome Saint Norbert's to town for the first ever meeting between the two teams. Faceoff is scheduled for 2 pm at the MAC in Saint Cloud.