ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University hockey team opened the 2025-26 season on Friday evening hosting University of Dubuque in game one of the non-conference series. The Wildcats recorded a dominating 7-1 victory in the team's highest scoring game since the 2022-23 season. 

The Wildcats struck first midway through the opening period when Ana Myers buried an unassisted goal at 12:42, setting the tone for a relentless offensive night. Rhiannon Ashworth extended the lead with a power-play tally late in the period — her first career goal and the eventual game-winner — giving St. Kate's a 2–0 cushion after one.

The second period was all Wildcats. Samantha Bogen scored just 50 seconds in and added another power-play goal later in the frame, while Myers netted her second of the night off a setup from Lauren Schmidt. Junior Lilly Gillespie capped the dominant period with a goal at 17:28 off a pass from Ellie Skaja, making it 6–0 heading into the third.

Eight Wildcats found the scoresheet, with Schmidt with two assists and Bogen, Myers, and Gillespie each recorded multi-goal games, while Halle Dunleavy chipped in with a helper on the power play.
The Wildcats capitalized on special teams, going 2-for-8 on the power play and holding Dubuque scoreless in their two opportunities.

In her first collegiate win, Lea Grassia was steady between the pipes, stopping 12 of 13 shots for the win. The defensive unit — led by Emma Keith, Sara Cooney, and Isabella Brady — blocked six shots and limited Dubuque's time in the offensive zone.

St. Catherine continues its homestand Saturday afternoon with a rematch against Dubuque. Puck drop is set for 2:00 p.m. at Drake Arena.