The women's ice hockey team took to the ice for their first time this season. The Cardinals made the trek up north to face Lake Superior State University. The Cardinals made their trip a memorable one as they earned not only the program's first win but a weekend sweep. The Cardinals defeated Lake Superior State University on Friday night 2-1 in dramatic fashion and completed the sweep on Saturday afternoon with another thrilling one goal (1-0) victory.
Game 1 Highlights -- CUAA 2, LSSU 1
After a scoreless first period, Erika Hansen scored the Cardinals first goal of the season in the second on an assist from Reagan Tolley. LSSU evened the game with 5:24 left in the third period. The Cardinals stayed aggressive and eventually found the back of the net. Tolley contributed once again scoring the game winning goal with 4:32 left in the game. It was Hansen and Tolley's first career goals.
Lizzy Knappenberger was solid between the pipes recording 28 saves.
Game 2 Highlights -- CUAA 1, LSSU 0
Both teams returned to the ice on Saturday morning for another match. The game was a defensive battle as the game's only goal didn't come until the third period. With 15:11 on the clock, Reese Hetherington found the back of the net for her first Cardinal goal. Hetherington's goal was assisted by Reagan Tolley as her productive weekend continued. The goal proved to be the game winning goal as the Cardinals defense remained solid to preserve the win.
Knappenberger earned her first career shutout in goal and it was also the Cardinals first team shutout. Knappenberger recorded 34 saves in the Cardinals second win of the season.
Coach Barlow has been with the program from the beginning and was excited to see the team's hard work turn into a victory. "The amount of progress this program has made in the past few seasons along with this unusual season, it's no surprise the girls earned this sweep," said Barlow. "After a long bus ride and two games in a short span, the girls grinded and played hard. Coach Grefke and I can see this team becoming a force to be reckoned with. I couldn't be more excited for the girls getting the first win in program history, the first sweep, first shutout, and three girls first college goals. They put in the work and deserved it. I can't wait to see us continue this momentum into next week.
The Cardinals will look to carry the momentum into next week as they team is scheduled to play Davenport University on Saturday. It is scheduled to be part of a double header with the men's team. Puck drop is scheduled for 7pm at the Arctic Coliseum.
Watch Live: Both women's hockey games were live streamed on YouTube courtesy of LSSU.
Game 1
Game 2
