Women's hockey sweeps into home playoff game

The Pipers weren't quite ready for the regular season to end on senior night, playing to a 2-2 tie with the Blazers at the end of regulation.

After a scoreless first period, Saint Benedict's Ashley Davenport scored the opening goal of the game at 15:32 in the second period. Stephanie Kendri and Holly Reinking were credited with the assists.

The Pipers answered back before the second period ended, however, with Kate Raasch scoring her first goal of the game seconds before the buzzer at 19:53. Senior Emily Dusold was credited with an assist on the goal.

With the score tied at 1-1, Raasch scored a power play goal to give the Pipers a 2-1 lead at 2:42 in the third. She was assisted by Melanie Leveille and Amanda Finstad.

The Blazers sent the game into overtime when a goal by Patty King on assists from Holly Reinking and Jackie Hoeft at 8:56 went unanswered in regulation.

With the Pipers needing a tie or a win in order to host their first-round playoff game against Bethel on Thursday, Brianna Miller scored at 1:38.

Miller's goal, on an assist from Sara Mickelson, ensures that the Pipers will return to Drake Arena for the first round of the MIAC playoffs.

The Pipers conclude the regular season with a 13-9-3, 8-7-3 MIAC record, while the Blazers finished at 4-16-2, 4-12-2 MIAC.

Hamline will host Bethel University in an MIAC playoff game on Thursday, February 28 at 7:15 p.m. at Drake Arena.