Box Score
After a week-long break from competition, the St. Catherine University hockey team hoped to maintain its perfect record in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play before heading into three non-conference games next week.
 
However, the College of Saint Benedict had different plans as the Blazers scored three third-period en route to a 3-0 victory that ended the Wildcats' four-game unbeaten streak, Friday night at Drake Arena.
 
Through the first two periods of play, the Wildcats held a narrow 18-17 advantage in shots on goal, but couldn't find a way to take advantage of scoring opportunities.
 
“We missed out on our chances early and late in the game,” said Head Coach Brad Marshall. “(The Blazers) played well and scored on their chances close to the net.”
 
After two periods of scoreless play, Tara Frey beat Wildcat goalie Samantha Geissler (Elk River, Minn.) glove-side just inside the cross bar to put the Blazers up 1-0.
 
The Wildcats had a flurry of opportunities in front of Blazer goalie Jenna Traut following the Frey goal, but couldn't find a way to put anything away.
 
Allyson Nielsen would put the Blazers up 2-0 after picking up a loose rebound just to the right of Geissler. She then sealed the deal for the Blazers with an empty net goal with 1:35 to play.
 
Geissler finished the night with 27 saves for the Wildcats, while Traut stopped all 25 Wildcat shots to earn the shutout.
 
Randi Fabsits (Tinley Park, Ill.) led the Wildcat offensive strike with four shots on goal, while Megan Killmer (Savage, Minn.) and Hallie Paschke (New Prague, Minn.) each recorded three.
 
“We have goal scorers on this team,” said Marshall, “they just have to capitalize on their chances.”

With the loss, the Wildcats fall to 4-1 in conference play and 4-2 on the season. The Wildcats will have a chance to avenge Friday's loss to the Blazers as the Wildcats hit the road for game two of the MIAC series, Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 4 p.m. in St. Cloud.
 
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