MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO. – On Friday night, the Lindenwood women's ice hockey team took on Stonehill in their first matchup of the weekend. The Lions would come out on top, winning 4-2.

GAME OVERVIEW
Three minutes into the first period, Rachel Goff would score off a one-timer assisted by Molly Henderson, giving the Lions an early 1-0 lead. Twelve minutes later, the Skyhawks would find the back of the net, tying the game up at 1-1. The score would remain tied for the rest of the period. Natalie Ferenc would make eight saves in the period.


Differently than the first period, the second period was a defensive battle for the first fifteen minutes, with both teams being held scoreless during that time. With less than four minutes to go in the period, Olivia Grabianowski would score on a tap-in, to regain the one goal lead. Sarah Davies and Quinn McLaren would have the assists on Grabianowski's goal. Two minutes later, Morgan Neitzke would find the back of the net on a breakaway chance, extending the Lions lead to two. With less than 20 seconds left in the period, the Skyhawks would find the back of the net to cut the Lions lead back to one.


In the third period, much like the second, both teams were held scoreless for majority of the frame. In a last-ditch effort to tie the game up, the Skyhawks would empty their at the 18:22 mark of the frame. With 18 seconds to go in the period, Neitzke would seal the victory for the Lions, scoring on an empty net.
After this matchup, the Lions moved to 6-8-1 on the season which is the first time since the 2021-22 season the Lions have registered six wins. Ferenc started in net for the Lions, making 26 saves.


The Lions in the game scored on an empty net, on the power-play, on the penalty kill, and at even strength. Neitzke in this matchup, tied the program record for short-handed goals in a season with three, which was held by Alison Wickenheiser in 2011.

QUOTABLE
"We are very happy to come out with the win tonight. We thought our team played a tough game and really bought in to grinding out a win as a group, and supporting each other until the final buzzer", said head coach Taylor Wasylk.


STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points – Goff (3)
Goals – Neitzke (2)
Assists – Goff (2), Davies (2)
Faceoff Wins – Chloe Corbin (15/28)
Blocked Shots – Henderson (2), Corbin (2)
+/- : Goff (+3)


UP NEXT
The Lions will host Stonehill again in their second matchup of the weekend. The game will take place on Saturday, November 25^th at 3:00, hosted at Centene Community Ice Center.