Women’s hockey shuts out St. Kate’s for seventh consecutive win

Sophomore goalie Alise Riedel stopped all 20 shots in a 7-0 victory against St. Catherine University Friday night at home.

The win was the seventh in a row for St. Thomas, and Riedel said that while it was great to get her fifth shutout of the season, the team effort in securing the victory was more important.

“It’s nice that my team can pull through and help me save them all,” Riedel said. “It is more of a team effort than anything.”

Six different Tommies scored against St. Kate’s. Sophomore forward/defenseman Christina Rozeske scored two of the seven goals, one in the second period and one in the third.

Coach Tom Palkowski said that having depth has become one of the Tommies’ “trademarks.”

“We have not necessarily had the go to player, but we have just had a lot of kids who have contributed,” Palkowski said.

Rozeske’s goal was the only one in the first period, but the Tommies picked it up in the second period, adding four goals to their lead.

Palkowski said that he was pleased to see his team produce a different outcome other than a “one goal game.”

“We have had way too many of those this year,” Palkowski said. “It was nice to be able to breathe, and I think the girls were able to have some fun and relax out there for a change.”

Friday’s win ended a five-game winless streak against St. Kate’s over the past two seasons, and the Tommies remain tied with Concordia-Moorhead for second place in the MIAC.

St. Thomas’ record is 9-1 since December and has allowed just nine goals in its last 12 games.

With the conference playoffs five games away, Rozeske said the winning streak is keeping her team confident.

“We are feeling pretty confident so far,” Rozeske said. “Hopefully we can carry it into playoffs and get to the NCAA tournament.”

Josie Oliver can be reached at oliv4246@stthomas.edu.