St. Thomas forward Mallory DeBoom scored in the 19th minute of play – heading the ball softly over the St. Mary’s goaltender – to lift her team to a 1-0 victory against the Cardinals Saturday afternoon at South Field on Senior Day.

St. Mary’s (6-10 overall, 3-6 MIAC) was held to a total of a mere five shots on net against a relentless Tommie club, while St. Thomas (10-4-1 overall, 7-1-1 MIAC) marked twenty shots with plenty of missed opportunities. Coach Sheila McGill said the team couldn’t play laid back against the Cardinals.

“We were in control most of the game, but their chances are still chances which makes it dangerous,” McGill said. “We had a lot of opportunities to score (and) just didn’t put them away. I think we were a little bit casual at times. We could have been playing with more intensity, but still a good win.”

St. Thomas did not go without facing trying defensive moments though, with plenty of chaotic events in front of dependable Tommie goaltender Tarynn Theilig. McGill cited inactivity as a possible danger to her team Saturday.

“I think it’s hard when you don’t have activity to stay focused on the game. So for the most part, she came up big the times she needed to.” McGill said.

The Cardinals faced an unforgiving Tommie offense that defender Victoria Vargas thought was top notch in Saturday’s game.

“We really fell into a rhythm this game, so it’s a bummer we didn’t finish on a couple of those (scoring opportunities),” Vargas said. “But the rhythm’s there, and I’m excited for the next two opponents.”

With this win and a Gustavus loss, St. Thomas now sits atop the MIAC conference. With two games remaining, the Tommies have also clinched a playoff berth.

“We’re excited we’re in first place now, clinched the playoff spot and won on Senior Day.” midfielder Hayley Engel said. “It felt great to get a (team win) nearing the end of the season.”

Engel and her Tommie teammates face Carleton and travel to Augsburg for their last two regular-season games, which McGill said comes with its positives and negatives.

“We are now officially in first place, which means the girls have a little more pressure,” McGill said. “It also lends to possibility of home field advantage so that’s good too.”

Jake Remes can be reached at reme7110@stthomas.edu.