NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- Augsburg University shut out St. Olaf College 4-0, with a solid defensive performance in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference women's hockey game on Saturday. Augsburg scored twice in both the second and third periods, with the final goal coming as an empty-netter. Augsburg's defense limited St. Olaf to 12 shots, and Augsburg goalie Marissa Paaske recorded 12 saves to secure her fourth shutout of the season and school-record 10th of her career.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 4, St. Olaf 0
LOCATION: St. Olaf Ice Arena, Northfield, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 15-3-1 overall (9-2-1 MIAC), St. Olaf 9-10-0 overall (6-6-0 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The first period began with Augsburg University showing early control as Ruby Eskin won the opening faceoff against Solvei Berg-Messerole. Despite consistent offensive pressure, including two power-play opportunities following penalties on St. Olaf's Jocelyn Orr and Bryn Etzell, the Auggies were unable to convert their chances into goals. Numerous attempts, like those from Kate Haug and Emma Abrahamson, were either wide or saved by St. Olaf's goalie, Hannah Fritz. The period concluded with a scoreless tie, both teams locked at 0-0.

Augsburg extended their lead over St. Olaf with a strong second period. Ella Olson scored the opening goal of the period at the 4:25 mark, assisted by Abrahamson. Augsburg maintained control, evidenced by numerous faceoff wins and a consistent offensive presence. Aunna Schulte added to the advantage with an unassisted goal at 12:14, further solidifying the Auggies' position. With her goal, Schulte now has eight goals on the season. The period concluded with Augsburg leading 2-0, setting the stage for a decisive final period.

Augsburg extended their lead early in the third period with an unassisted goal by Adelyn Milota at the 5:09 mark. The team maintained offensive pressure throughout the period, culminating in an empty net goal by Olson, assisted by Nora Stepan and Abrahamson, with 2:59 remaining. With two goals, giving her nine on the season, Olson recorded her second multi-goal game and fifth multi-point game of the season. Olson had three goals and an assist for a four-point weekend in Augsburg's series sweep of St. Olaf.

Augsburg is ranked No. 4 in the latest USCHO.com Division III national poll and No. 2 in the D-III Hockey News Division III national poll.

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Ella Olson: 2 goals, 6 shots on goal
• Emma Abrahamson: 2 assists, +2 rating, 75% faceoff percentage
• Marissa Paaske: 12 saves

ST. OLAF PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Emma Heath: 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 shots on goal
• Andi Huselid: 72% faceoff win percentage, 8 faceoffs won
• Hannah Fritz: 28 saves

UP NEXT
• In its next game, Augsburg will face off against St. Catherine University at Drake Ice Arena in St. Paul, Minn., on Friday, Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.