MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. – Senior forward Rachel Werdin’s first period goal put the Tommies ahead of the College of St. Benedict which carried them to a 2-1 victory at St. Thomas Ice Arena Friday.
Werdin took five of the team’s 22 shots on goal, the most on the team, and was 3-3 on face-offs.
“Anytime we get a win in the MIAC is something to be proud of,” Werdin said. “Every team’s getting to be so good that every point matters.”
St. Thomas (12-5-3, 11-2-0 MIAC) led the entire game, however; a penalty in the second period shifted the energy toward St. Ben’s (9-9-1, 4-9-0 MIAC).
The Tommies’ first-year forward Allie Monrean spent two minutes in the penalty box for slashing.
“They kind of took over momentum,” coach Tom Palkowski said. “Then the third (period), like any team that’s down, they were pushing hard at the end.”
Sophomore Anna Solheim and Monrean assisted Werdin’s goal. Junior forward Estee Franz scored the Tommies’ second goal, assisted by junior defense Mikayla Kero.
The Tommies are tied with Gustavus for second place in the MIAC while Hamline sits in first place.
“It’s a good time of year to understand that we’ve got work to do,” Palkowski said.
St. Thomas travels to St. Joseph Saturday for another matchup with St. Ben’s. The puck drop is scheduled for 2 p.m.
Kat Barrett can be reached at barr1289@stthomas.edu.