Women's Hockey | 02/16/2021

Game Notes

ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – After two weeks between its first two games of the season, the College of Saint Benedict hockey team looks to find a rhythm with three games on the schedule this week - all on the road. The team starts its busy week at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, when it heads to Winona to take on Saint Mary's in a MIAC game.
 
After taking on SMU, the Bennies are scheduled to play St. Thomas and Gustavus on the road. Per MIAC policy no fans will be allowed for any of the games. Live stats and video for Wednesday's game are available here.
 
ABOUT THE CARDINALS
Saint Mary's has a trio of low-scoring games under its belt heading into Wednesday's nonconference matchup. The Cardinals' latest game was a 2-1 loss to Hamline Saturday afternoon. SMU has scored just two goals in three games this season, but has only given up five. Ary Ziakas leads the team and is second in the MIAC with 75 saves in three starts in net.
 
LAST MEETING
Saint Benedict split with the Cardinals last season, winning 2-0 Friday night in St. Cloud but dropping its final game of the season 4-1 the night afternoon at the MAC. Ally Frantzick made 34 saves to preserve the shutout in the first game, and Rylan Bistodeau scored the team's only goal Saturday. Frantzick tallied 34 more saves in the second game to bring her weekend total to 68.
 
THE STORYLINE
Saint Benedict has hung close with two tough opponents for the first two periods of each game, but is looking to close out a game and be more productive on the offensive side of the ice. After being outshot in its first two games of the season, CSB looks to put more shots on net and give itself more scoring opportunities Wednesday in Winona.
 
WHO TO WATCH:
Rachel DeCesare scored the first goal of her collegiate career Sunday night against UST - an unassisted goal to boot. Riley Schneider also added the first goal of her senior season, and first year Brynn Sexauer notched her first assist as a Bennie. Annika Brodt leads the team with eight shots on net this season. On the defensive side, Zoe Culshaw-Klein, Emily Lemker and Morgan Newpower all have three blocked shots.