The St. Thomas women’s hockey team moved into first place in the MIAC after sweeping the Hamline Pipers this weekend bringing the Tommies’ record to 7-5-2 overall and 6-1-1 in conference play.

The Tommies poured in five goals and sophomore goalkeeper Lindsey Wilson did not allow any goals in 18 shot attempts in the dominating 5-0 victory Saturday at St. Thomas Ice Arena. Eleven different players earned points for the Tommies in the two games against the Pipers.

“This weekend’s sweep was definitely the way we wanted to start our MIAC play after the long break we had,” senior Jamie Hollway said. “It gives us confidence going into the long stretch of conference games ahead.”

St. Thomas started out hot scoring three goals in the first period. Sophomore Meghan Parker (three goals on the season), Hollway (two goals) and junior Kristen Grossman (four goals) all added to their season totals in the opening period.

In a second period that featured eight penalties, sophomore Taylor Schulter scored her fourth goal of the season in the fifth minute. Sophomore Sarah Armstrong capped off the scoring by netting her second goal of the season in the 18th minute on an assist from junior Katie Psimos.

While the Tommies flourished offensively, Hamline struggled all game. The pipers were 0-5 on power plays and only managed 18 shots on goal compared to St. Thomas’ 39 shot attempts.

Hollway said that the win is just another step in the right direction for a team with big goals.

“Our number one goal is to win the conference,” she said. “It is not likely we will receive an at-large bid for the NCAA tournament so winning the MIAC playoff title is also a must.”

With the defeat, Hamline falls to 3-10-2 on the season while the Tommies moved into first place in the conference race.

Ben Katzner can be reached at bekatzner@stthomas.edu