The Wildcats, after being knocked out of the playoff hunt last night by St. Olaf came in today and showed a great deal of heart while skating to a bitter-sweet victory.

Coach Brad Marshall stressed the importance of scoring even-strength goals today as a key factor in the game. The team then came out and scored two of their three goals at even strength.

Shelby Salmonsen scored the first goal of the game at 5:49 in the first period, assisted by Kasey Evans and Kayla Clafton. St. Olaf would tie the score just over six minutes later. St. Kate's quickly answered at the 13:08 mark when Kelsey Abrahamson scored on assist from Rachel Gasperetti. The opening period would end 2-1, Wildcats.

St. Olaf would score late in the second period to tie things up again. A few minutes later, Megan Killmer would score the eventual game-winning goal, with assists going to Hallie Paschke and Shelby Salmonsen at 16:02.  After two periods, 3-2 Wildcats.

The third period was full of action, but lacked scoring despite many great chances by both teams and a few shots that found the pipes. St. Kate's kept the pressure on offensively while staying rock solid on defense, out shooting the Oles 12-6 in the third period and keeping them scoreless.

St. Kate's goalie Haley Morningstar put together a very good performance to end her freshman season, stopping 25 of 27 shots on the day and picking up her third win of her career.

The senior hockey players have a great deal to be proud of. They played yet another stellar game and finished off their collegiate careers in a way that many don't, with a win.  Congratulations and thank you to all the seniors as well as the entire Wildcats hockey team for another solid season!

Box Score