The Lindenwood women's hockey team defeated the RIT Tigers 2-0 on Friday evening from Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville, Mo. Goaltender Jolene deBruyn sparkled in net for the Lady Lions, making 21 saves en route to her first career shutout.

The game opened slowly, as Lindenwood was held without a shot for the first 7:37 of play. It was at exactly that moment that Cierra Paisley received a pass from Ally Larson and sent the puck towards the net. Paisley's shot was deflected by an RIT defender in front of the goal and into the upper left corner of the net. Paisley's first collegiate goal gave the Lady Lions a 1-0 lead. Larson was credited with the lone assist on the play, giving her two assists for the season.

Lindenwood would be whistled off of the ice for two minor penalties during the remaining minutes of the opening period. The penalty-kill unit was up for the challenge as it protected the one-goal lead heading into the first intermission.

During the second period of play, each team would have breakaway attempts turned away. Lindenwood's Britannia Gillanders was turned aside on her breakaway attempt, while deBruyn made a glove save to thwart and RIT chance.

The two teams would skate even during the middle period, with Lindenwood outshooting RIT 13-9 in the frame. With 40 minutes gone by, Lindenwood remained ahead by a one-goal margin, and were up 16-14 in the shot category.

deBruyn continued her excellent play between the pipes in the third period, turning away all seven shots sent her way over the final 20 minutes. With 33 seconds remaining in the game, Lindenwood extended its lead to two goals as Carla Goodwin tallied an empty net score. Taylor Girard was credited with the assist on the play, as Lindenwood moved in front by the eventual final of 2-0.

deBruyn earned her first shutout as a Lady Lion with 21 saves.

Lindenwood had the edge in shots, 22-21. Three Lady Lions tied for the team lead with three shots on goal.

On special teams, Lindenwood was 0-4 on the power play and 6-6 on the penalty kill.

Following the CHA victory, Lindenwood improves to 1-9-1 and 1-3-1 in conference action. With the loss, RIT moves to 1-14-0 and 0-5-0 from within the CHA. The two teams will return to Lindenwood Ice Arena tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m. to conclude the two-game series.