So far this season, the St. Catherine University hockey team hasn't necessarily scored as many goals as it would probably like. However, a huge highlight has been that the Wildcat goaltending is collectively the best in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) with all three netminders combining for the best save percentage in the league (.944). This week, though, it was sophomore Abbi White (Wyoming, Minn./Forest Lake) who stepped up in a big way and therefore earned herself the Wildcat Athlete of the Week award.Â
For the first time since 2003, the Wildcats settled for a scoreless tie after 65 minutes of competitive hockey against Marian University Saturday afternoon. That tie wouldn't have been possible without the solid play of White who posted a career-high 29 saves to earn her first collegiate shutout and the team's first shutout this season. White came up with a flurry of saves late in the third period to help the Wildcats force overtime and she also kept the Sabres off the board on three power play opportunities including a brief 5-on-3 situation.Â
In her three starts this season, White has recorded a league-leading 0.98 goals against average and her .961 save percentage also leads the MIAC. She's allowed just three goals and has helped the Wildcats to a league-low 15 goals allowed and second-best mark of 1.62 gaa.Â
White and the rest of the Wildcats will return to action Tuesday for another non-conference matchup against UW-Eau Claire. Earlier this season, the Wildcats defeated the Blugolds 4-1 in Eau Claire. Tuesday's start is set for 7 p.m. at Drake Arena in St. Paul.Â
