ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The St. Catherine University hockey team returned to action No. 1 ranked University of Wisconsin-River Falls Falcons at Drake Arena on Wednesday evening. The Wildcats were first on the board in the opening period, but the Falcons used a five-goal second to take control for a 6-1 final. 

After a scoreless first 19 minutes, St. Kate's broke through at 19:14 in the first with a goal from senior Paige Loidolt off a pass from sophomore Michelle Smith taking the 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission. 

River Falls answered quickly in the second, tying the game at 5:20 before adding three power-play goals in the period. The Falcons outshot the Wildcats 18-4 in the middle frame and carried a 5-1 advantage into the third. 

The Falcons added one more goal five minutes into the third period to cap off scoring. 

St. Kate's finished with 18 shots and 16 blocked shots while Addie Oettinger made 28 saves in net. 

The Wildcats are back at Drake Arena for a non-conference series with Lawrence University Friday and Saturday. They return to MIAC action at home on Friday, January 16, hosting the College of Saint Benedict.