ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University hockey team opened the 2023-24 season with a 4-1 win over non-conference opponent, Northland College on Friday evening at Drake Arena. 

Senior Abby Pirkl put the Wildcats on the scoreboard first scoring two minutes after the first intermission. Pirkl had help from seniors Emmie Verhaagh and Gabby Bodin. 

Rookie Halle Dunleavy scored her first collegiate goal earning the game winner as well putting St. Kate's up 2-0 half way through the second period with the assist going to senior Maiah Robert. 

St. Kate's took advantage of the power play with sophomore Ellie Skaja scoring with under five to go in the second assisted by Joslin Mumm and Robert. 

The game remained at 3-0 until seven minutes into the third period when the Lumberjills got on the board making it 3-1. St. Kate's went on to add one final goal in the game with sophomore Raechel Painovich lighting the lamp off an assist from junior Madi Schwengler. 

Senior Abby Severson earned her first win of the season allowing just one goal and making 18 saves. The Wildcats led the shot count with 38 on goal led by Painovich with five. 

The Wildcats host the Lumberjills again on Saturday with puck drop scheduled for 2 pm.