FAIRFIELD, CONN. – On Friday night, the Lindenwood women's hockey took on Sacred Heart in their first game of the Ice Breaker Tournament. The Lions would soar victorious over the Pioneers, 4-2.

GAME OVERVIEW
In the first period, the Lions would come out hot, putting 11 shots on net. With 12 minutes left to go in the period, Morgan Neitzke would score the first goal of the game. Rachel Goff would assist Neitzke's goal. Up to this point the Lions would lead 1-0. The Lions would keep the Pioneers off the scoring column in the first frame, to lead 1-0 going into the second period.

In the second period, the Pioneers were the first to get on the board to tie the game up at 1-1 with 16 minutes left to go in the period. With 11:59 left to go in the period, Neitzke would score once again to take back the 2-1 lead. The Pioneers would bounce back, scoring a goal of their own with less than four minutes to go in the period. Going into the final period, the score would once again be tied up.

Five minutes into the period, the Lions would find the back of the net for the third time of the night, coming off a Thea Jørgensen wrist shot on the power-play. Gigi Pora and Goff would tally assists on Jørgensen's goal, putting the Lions ahead 3-2 with 15 minutes left to go in the period. Strong defense and goalie play would keep the Pioneers off the board for the rest of the period. Neitzke would seal the victory, scoring an empty netter with a minute left in the frame, coming from a strong hustle play by Sydney Rarick.

Natalie Ferenc would start in net for the Lions, stopping 23 shots on two goals against. Neitzke would tally her second career hat trick during this contest. After this matchup, the Lions would move to 3-4-0 on the season.

QUOTABLE
"Getting to compete in a tournament mid-season is certainly an exciting feeling and we feel very proud of our team, for grinding out the win tonight. We look forward to another battle tomorrow against St. Cloud State. We also look forward to the opportunity to fight for a trophy", said head coach Taylor Wasylk.

STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points – Neitzke (3)
Goals – Neitzke (3)
Assists – Goff (2)
Plus/Minus – Emma Hoen (+1), Sidney Jackel (+1), Neitzke (+1), Rarick (+1)
Faceoff Wins – Pora (17)
Blocked Shots – Kaitlin Finnegan (3)

UP NEXT
The Lions will take on St. Cloud State in the Championship game of the Ice Breaker Tournament, on October 21^st at 4:00 PM CT, in Fairfield, Conn.