BOX SCORE

Playing at home in Saint Cloud the College of Saint Benedict (3-16-4, 1-11-4) found what they have been looking for all season; their first MIAC win. With the 4-2 victory over Saint Olaf, the Blazers were finally able to get the tremendous weight off their young shoulders.

“Everyone is happy,” head coach Pat Michaud said. “We played really solid. As a team we did the little things much better today than we have all season and most important we finished the game. The season has been a struggle and it is good to see the players rewarded for hanging in there.”

Picking up the action in the first, sophomore forward Kerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) teamed up with first-year Kaley Flynn (West St. Paul, MN, Henry Sibley High School) on a gorgeous give and go that Graske finished off by faking out Ole goaltender Erin McNamara putting the Blazers up 1-0. Sophomore forward Andrea Parsons (Buffalo, MN, Buffalo) also assisted on the goal that occurred at 06:46. Ten minutes later sophomore forward Amie Ernst (North Mankato, MN, Mankato Loyola) scored the first of her two goals on the afternoon. Ernst was assisted by Graske.

Less than three minutes into the second, Ernst redirected a shot and found the back of the net in a goal that proved the game winner for the Blazers. The goal, coming at 02:55 in the second, was assisted by sophomore center Jennifer Yelle (Coon Rapids, MN, Coon Rapids), and first-year defender Catherine Pollock (Tonka Bay, MN, Hopkins High School). Sophomore forward Kelly Fladebo (Mora, MN, Cambridge-Isanti Mora) also got in on the action scoring her first goal of the year at 08:57. Fladebo was assisted on the play by Parsons.

The Oles responded early in the third, sneaking the puck past Blazer goalie Lauren Herzog (Mendota Heights, MN, Convent of the Visitation) while still down 4-2. Saint Benedict was able to hold on the rest of the period and successfully secure their first conference win.

The Blazers play their final two games of the season next weekend when they take on Saint Catherine. Friday's game is away in Inver Grove Heights and on Saturday the Blazers are home at the MAC. Faceoff is scheduled for 2 pm.