Box Score Box Score | GameDay Preview

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Talk about a case of perfect timing.

The Saint Mary's University women's hockey team, in dire need of a pick-me-up following Friday's disappointing 3-2 loss to Saint Benedict, got just what the doctor ordered — from an unsung offensive weapon — Saturday afternoon.

Senior Rachel Gates-Vickery (New Brighton, Minn.) scored her first collegiate goal 13 minutes into the opening period, as SMU goalie Sarah Gustafson (Esko, Minn.) made it stand up, as the Cardinals edged the Blazers 1-0 at the St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex.

“We definitely needed that win,” said SMU coach Terry Mannor. “I thought we played well enough to win (Friday night), but came out on the short end. It was nice to see use on the other end of a close game for a change.”

With Gates-Vickery provided the offensive spark, it was Gustafson who kept the flame a flicker, stopping 40 CSB shots — including 14 in both the first and third periods — en route to her second shutout of the season and fourth of her career.

“Sarah played great,” said Mannor. “Everyone played great — this was a win we really needed.”

The Cardinals, improve to 3-6-3 in the MIAC and 6-9-4 overall, return to action next weekend, hosting league-leading Gustavus in the first game of their two-game MIAC series on Friday at 7 p.m., at the SMU Ice Arena. The same two teams will square off at 2 p.m. in St. Peter, Minn., on Saturday.