MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. — Senior forward Alyssa Wallace scored her team leading third and fourth goals of the season, helping the St. Thomas women’s hockey team defeat the College of St. Benedict 6-2 Friday at Saint Thomas Ice Arena, a season high for goals.
Sophomore forward Luci Bianchi and junior forward Anna Erickson also scored their first goals of the season.
”I’m happy with the outcome,” Wallace said. “I love to see everyone get on the scoresheet, it’s great.”
St. Ben’s (0-3-1) took the lead early when junior forward and defender Julia Pias scored a little over two minutes into the first period. St. Thomas (2-1-0) responded a minute and a half later as Bianchi scored unassisted, tying the game.
The Tommies reclaimed the lead with Erickson’s goal, assisted by first-year defender Isabel Lippai 50 seconds before the first period ended.
Wallace, also the team leader in power play goals, added another to her season total on an assist from senior forward Maddy Fiedler just over seven minutes into the second period.
The Bennies crept within one as sophomore defender Rachel DeCesare scored on a power play, bringing the score to 3-2 in the third period.
The Tommies then scored three unanswered goals, with Erickson and Wallace both scoring their second goals of the night.
“I think our speed finally cashed in,” coach Tom Palkowski said. “With the speed we have, eventually they turn it over and eventually we capitalize.”
Sophomore forward Jenna Hartung scored her first career goal with just over three minutes left in the third period.
“It feels awesome,” Hartung said. “From not playing so much last year to now, it’s pretty exciting for me.”
The Tommies take on Bethel University at home tomorrow night at 7 p.m.
“I think we’ll have a good effort tomorrow,” Palkowski said. “They know they get Sunday off, I told them it’s a rare Saturday night affair.”
Sam Larson can be reached at lars4378@stthomas.edu.