BOX SCORE
The College of Saint Benedict (2-13-4, 0-8-4 MIAC) fought to a 1-1 tie against Hamline University this afternoon, bringing their MIAC points total up a point to four in the process. The Blazers controlled much of the game including winning the shots on goal battle 36 to 32.
Winning the opening faceoff the Blazers were able to get off to a quick start getting off five shots on goal early. A holding penalty brought the first power play of the game for the Blazers, but both shots on net were blocked by Piper junior goalie Amanda Plumm.
Halfway through the first Saint Benedict narrowly missed out on taking the first lead of the game when a slap shot by first-year
Ashley Olson (Fairmont, MN, Fairmont High School)'s shot hit the top crossbar of the net.
Sophomore goalie
Lauren Herzog (Mendota Heights, MN, Convent of the Visitation) made a spectacular two on one stop late in the first period keeping the game tied at 0-0. A brief scuffle between both teams near the net after the shot brought a five minute major roughing penalty. Another penalty later brought a four on three advantage for the Blazers. Olson again came close to scoring when she had a breakaway shot on goal.
Five minutes into the second period junior forward
Gretchen Leyendecker (Rochester, MN, Lourdes) gave the Blazers the 1-0 lead when her diving one handed shot found the back of the net on a power play. Leyendecker was assisted on the play by sophomore forward
Katelyn Bounds (Anchorage, AK, Bartlett).
A few minutes later, the Pipers answered right back scoring at 12:30 on a power play of their own to even the game at 1-1.
A scoreless third period brought the Blazers to their third overtime period in four games. Neither team was able to take advantage of the extra five minutes as the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
Herzog made 35 stops for the Blazers while sophomore and junior forwards
Amie Ernst (North Mankato, MN, Mankato Loyola) and
Kerri Graske (Stillwater, MN, Stillwater Area) lead the team with five shots on net.
Saint Benedict is home Friday and Saturday next weekend as the team takes on Saint Mary's. Friday's game will serve as both the Blazer Big Day and Pink the Rink as players will be wearing pink laces and tape in support of Breast Cancer.