ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University hockey team returned to conference play hosting the Hamline University Pipers at Drake Arena. The Pipers handed the Wildcats their first loss of 2024 with a 4-1 MIAC victory. 

The first goal of the evening went to the Pipers scoring 13 minutes into the opening period. Hamline took a two goal lead early in the second period and scored another a minute into the third. 

The Pipers were caught with too many players on the ice giving the Wildcats a power play opportunity with under ten to play in the third. It was then that the Wildcats pulled senior goaltender Abby Severson for the extra skater. With a six on four advantage senior Abby Pirkl scored her sixth goal of the season with help from senior Madi Fleming and rookie Lilly Gillespie. 

Hamline added one final empty net goal with just three minutes remaining to seal it at 4-1 Pipers. 

St. Kate's will travel to Tria Rink in downtown St. Paul on Saturday. Puck drop is scheduled for 2 pm.