Special teams key to women's hockey win

With the game tied at 1-1, Hamline (2-4-3, 1-2-1 in the MIAC) took the lead for good on Emily Dusold's first goal of the season at 9:49 of the first period.  After defenseman Samantha Dowzak dumped the puck into the offensive zone, the puck took a strange bounce in front of the goal that Dusold slid past Blazer goaltender Kelsey Robinson.

Hamline extended the lead at 8:14 of the second period when Cortney Hansen netted her second goal of the game - a rebound goal six seconds into the Hamline power-play.

Hansen scored the Pipers first goal of the game, converting on a 2-on-1 at the 3:34 mark of the first period. The Balzers would tie the game on a Stephanie Kendrick goal at 9:49 of the period.

First-year Kate Raasch added another power play goal at 13:37 of the second period to give the Pipers a 4-1 lead at the second intermission.

Hamline were also solid on the penalty kill, going a perfect 4 for 4 on the penalty kill in the contest.

Sophomore Marie Gross would add an unassisted goal at 9:01 of the third period while Dusold would add her second of the game at 13:27.

Hamline first-year Brianna Miller set a Hamline school record with four assists in the contest.  The pervious record was three by Kiara Kelley on Nov. 19, 2000. The game also marked Hamline's first victory over St. Benedict in school history. The Blazers had won the previous 13 games of the series.

First-year netminder Alexandra Strunk picked up her first win in goal, stopping 29 shots.  Hamline held a 33-31 edge in shots on goal. Robinson stopped 27 shots for the Blazers.

Hamline will next host Gustavus in MIAC action Thursday night at Drake Arena. Game time is set for 7:15 p.m.