ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University hockey team returned to Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play on Friday evening at Drake Arena. The Wildcats dropped the game one of the conference series to the College of Saint Benedict Bennies 4-1 traveling to Saint Cloud for game two on Saturday. 

The Wildcats trailed 1-0 after the opening period but stayed within striking distance through two periods. The Bennies added the game winner early in the third on a power play goal just 38 seconds in. 

St. Kate's responded quickly with Samantha Bogen scoring an even strength goal with help from Halley Dunleavy and Paige Loidolt to cut the deficit to 2-1. The Wildcats pushed offensively the rest of the way but two later third-period goals sealed the outcome for the visitors. 

St. Kate's outshot Saint Benedict 30-24 winnings the face off battle 43-19. Ana Myers led the team with nine shots while junior Lea Grassia made 20 saves in goal. 

The two will face off on Saturday in Saint Cloud with a 6 pm scheduled puck drop.