ST. JOSEPH, Minn. - The Saint Mary's women's hockey team (10-5) is in St. Joseph this weekend for their conference series against the College of Saint Benedict (9-4-3). The Cardinals kicked off the series with a 3-1 win over the Bennies on Friday night.
 
Sidney Polzin was a key contributor with two goals and the game-winning goal, along with a team-leading plus-minus of plus three. Leah Parker made significant contributions with a goal and an impressive five blocked shots. Goalie Magali Fillion was pivotal in the net, recording 27 saves in her appearance.
 
The Cardinals opened the first period with Fillion active in goal with several key saves, notably stopping shots early in the period. Polzin scored the period's only goal at 14:42, marking her eighth of the season, to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead over Saint Benedict.
 
The second period commenced with the Cardinals controlling the puck as Urlaub won consecutive faceoffs in the opening seconds. At 17:23, Polzin scored the game-winner assisted by Urlaub and Sophia Paduano, extending the lead to 2-0. 
 
Following a response from Saint Benedict at 16:01, Parker added another goal for the Cardinals at 14:26, assisted by Taverie Sherner, pushing the score to 3-1 by the end of the period.
The third period ended with the Cardinals holding strong defensively, as both teams were kept scoreless, allowing Saint Mary's to secure the win.

The Cardinals will face the Bennies again tomorrow for a 4 p.m. game.