DULUTH, Minn. — The Saint Mary's women's hockey (7-8-2, 3-6-2) dropped a 3–1 MIAC contest to St. Scholastica (7-10-1, 2-8-1) on Friday night at Mars Lakeview Arena. The Cardinals struck first in the opening period, but the Saints pulled away with two third-period goals, including a power-play tally.

Reese Heitzman led the Cardinals offensively, scoring the team's lone goal on five shots. 

Saint Mary's grabbed an early lead when Heitzman found the net at 8:24 of the first period, assisted by Taryn Dornseif, who recorded her first assist of the season. St. Scholastica answered just under three minutes later sending the teams into the first intermission tied 1–1.

The Cardinals controlled much of the second period, generating sustained offensive pressure and quality scoring chances. Leah Parker and Celia Midtbo both tested Saints goaltender Makenzie Cole, who came up with several key saves to keep the game even. 

Saint Mary's also had a power-play opportunity following a high-sticking penalty, but was unable to convert. The period ended scoreless, leaving the contest deadlocked.

In the third, the Cardinals continued to battle but struggled to capitalize on multiple power plays. Heitzman and Mikayla Vasilevich each registered shots on goal, yet Cole stood firm in net.

The Cardinals played down a player in the crucial final minutes and the Saints capitalized. Saint Mary's pulled its goalie in favor of an extra attacker, but St. Scholastica sealed the outcome with two late goals.

The Saints closed out the night with a 3–1 victory.

The team gets another crack at the Saints tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. for a conference rematch.