January 25, 2025
Fast Start, Tepid Finish In Series Finale At St. Olaf
Concordia scored less than 6 minutes into their series finale at St. Olaf but then the Oles scored a pair of goals in the second period and one more in the third to take a 3-1 win. Abbey Hardwick got the lone goal for CC.
Recap courtesy of Ben Becker
NORTHFIELD, Minn. (1/25/25)---Concordia was able to end their goalless drought, but a pair of second-period goals proved to be the difference as the Cobbers dropped the series finale at St. Olaf, 3-1.
NORTHFIELD, Minn. (1/25/25)---Concordia was able to end their goalless drought, but a pair of second-period goals proved to be the difference as the Cobbers dropped the series finale at St. Olaf, 3-1.
The two second-period goals dropped the Cobbers to a 3-14 overall record and a 2-8 mark in the MIAC. St. Olaf improves to 8-8-1 (5-4-1 MIAC) and moves into a tie for fifth place.
The Cobbers struck first and scored the first regulation goal of the series when Abbey Hardwick found a rebound after a Memphis Mertens shot and buried it in the back of the net to put Concordia up 1-0 just under 6 minutes into the game. Concordia then killed off a penalty to maintain their lead. The goal was Hardwick's third of the season and Mertens recorded her team-leading sixth assist on the opening strike of the game.
The Cobbers held their lead through the rest of the period, heading into the second frame up 1-0. They kept St. Olaf scoreless for the first 9 minutes of the second period until a 3-on-1 break resulted in a game-tying goal.
Just 38 seconds later, the Cobbers took a high-sticking penalty, sending St. Olaf to the power play. The Oles capitalized, scoring on a rebound to take their first lead of the game. The two goals came just 1:48 apart.
The Cobbers had a chance near the end of the period when the Oles took a hooking penalty but could not find the twine. The Cobbers had 40 seconds of power play carry over to the third period but were held off the board.
The Cobbers outshot St. Olaf 8-3 in the third period, but a fast break goal gave the Oles a 3-1 cushion with under 7 minutes left in the game.
Concordia tried to mount a comeback by pulling their goalie with over 3 minutes remaining. They were able to create several scoring chances but never got the second goal.
The Oles then drained the clock on their power play and were able to hold onto the 3-1 win.
Shots in the game were almost even, with St. Olaf holding a 22-21 edge. The Cobbers were 0-for-1 on their power play and St. Olaf went 1-for-3.
The Cobbers will head to the Twin Cities next weekend to start a two-game series against St. Catherine, beginning Friday, January 31, at 7:00 p.m.