NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Saint Mary's women's hockey team (8-12-2, 4-9-2) fell to St. Olaf (10-11-1, 7-7-1), 3-0, at St. Olaf Ice Arena on Friday night. The Cardinals were unable to capitalize on their 23 shots, while the Oles secured the win with an empty-net goal in the third period.

The first period began with the Cardinals initiating aggressive offensive plays, as Sophia Paduano's early attempt was blocked. Despite several shots on goal by the Cardinals, including efforts from Reese Heitzman and Celia Midtbo, the team was unable to convert opportunities into scores. St. Olaf capitalized on its chances, breaking through with a goal at 16:15 and heading into intermission 1-0.

The Cardinals faced challenges in the second period as St. Olaf increased its lead with a goal at 16:03. The period also saw multiple penalties, including those on Leah Parker and Heitzman, which added pressure to the Cardinals efforts. The period ended with St. Olaf leading 2-0.

It was a challenging third period as they sought to overcome a deficit and maintained offensive pressure with multiple shots on goal, including attempts by Paduano and Parker, but were consistently denied by St. Olaf's goaltender, Hannah Fritz. 

In a strategic move late in the period, Saint Mary's opted for an empty net, which resulted in an empty-net goal at 1:20 and the game concluded with a 3-0 victory for St. Olaf.

Senior Taverie Sherner recorded her 100th game played as a Cardinal tonight.

The team will look to bounce back tomorrow as they host the Oles for a special senior day at 3:00 p.m.