BLAINE, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University hockey team blanked Bethel University in the Wildcats MIAC opener at the Super Rink. The 2-0 victory puts St. Kate's at 4-1 on the season. 

Junior goaltender Lea Grassia was unstoppable between the pipes, turning away all 28 shots faced and earning her first career shut out. 

The Wildcats grabbed momentum midway through the first period with sophomore Aly Vogelsand buried a low shot off a feed from Jaden Kozak, giving St. Kate's a 1-0 lead. The goal stood as the eventual game-winner, marking Vogelsang's first tally of her career. 

Despite three power play opportunities, the Wildcats weren't able to add to the lead until 29 seconds left in the third period. Senior Paige Loidolt sealed the win with an empty net goal for her second of the season making the game 2-0. 

St. Kate's will host the Royals on Saturday, November 15 at Drake Arena at 2 pm. Game two of the MIAC series has been designated as a Sophie's Squad Game with fans attending encouraged to show their support by wearing teal and purple.

Sophie's Squad is a nonprofit organization that provides education and awareness to improve the mental health of athletes by encouraging open conversations and emphasizing that seeking help is a sign of strength.