ST. CLOUD, Minn. — All four goals that were scored between the Saint Mary's University and Saint Benedict women's hockey teams Friday evening occurred in the first three minutes of the first period, or the final two minutes of the third.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, it was the two goals scored in the final two minutes of the third period that did them in.
Saint Benedict broke a 1-1 deadlock on a goal with 1:19 remaining in regulation — then added an empty-net tally with nine seconds to play — as the Bennies dealt the Cardinals a 3-1 conference setback at Ritsche Arena.
The Cardinals and Bennies didn't waste any time cranking up their offenses, with both teams scoring before the game was even three minutes old.
Sami Hackley got things rolling for the Bennies, lighting the lamp just 1:26 into the first period. CSB got to play with the lead for all of 47 seconds, however, as SMU's
Katie Pierpont (Holt, Mich.) beat Bennie goalie Ally Frantzick for her second of the season.
That, however, would be the extent of offensive fireworks — until the game's final 1:19, that is.
Aurora Opsahl broke the 1-1 stalemate with her team-leading ninth goal — and second in as many games — and Emma Rooks chipped in an empty-net goal with nine seconds to play to seal the Saint Benedict victory.
Celeste Rimstad (Richfield, Minn.) finished with 19 saves in goal for SMU, while Frantzick kicked out 36 of Saint Mary's 37 shots on goal.
The Cardinals (3-9-1 MIAC, 6-13-1 overall) and Bennies will go at it again on Saturday, as the two teams return to Ritsche Arena for the 4 p.m. rematch.
