Minneapolis — Junior Shae Stinnett (North Oaks, Minn.) netted her fourth goal of the season at 19:51 of the opening period, but No. 2 Augsburg University answered with two third-period goals to defeat (RV) College of Saint Benedict Hockey 2-1 Saturday at the Ed Saugestad Rink.

Despite the setback, the Bennies have clinched a berth in the MIAC Playoffs for the first time since the 2022-23 season. CSB is now 12-7-4 overall and 7-6-3 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), holding fourth place with 26 conference points. CSB closes the regular season with two games remaining — a Feb. 20-21 home-and-home series against Concordia.

Stinnett's late first-period strike came at even strength and gave CSB a 1-0 edge heading into intermission. Sophomore Jorja Jusczak (Moose Lake, Minn.) recorded her third assist of the season on the play, while Merrill Delich (Andover, Minn.) added her seventh. The goal marked the 13th of Stinnett's career.

Defense dictated play through a scoreless second period before the Auggies mounted another late push. One night after scoring twice in a 3-2 win, Augsburg repeated the feat Saturday.

Just 29 seconds into the third period, Ruby Eskin scored her third goal of the season on a power play to tie the game, assisted by Nora Stepan (15th assist) and Ella Olson (11th assist). The Auggies took the lead at 6:36 when Stepan scored her 15th goal of the season at even strength, with Annika Mielke collecting her fifth assist.

First-year goaltender Lexi Badali (St. John, Ind.) turned aside 40 shots in a strong 60-minute effort, allowing just two goals. Augsburg held a 42-19 advantage in shots and went 1-for-5 on the power play, while CSB was 0-for-1. In the faceoff circle, the Bennies won 28 of 69 draws, led by senior Chloe Lewis (Brooklyn Park, Minn.), who claimed 17 of 27 faceoffs.