MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University women's hockey team secured a 2-1 victory over the College of Saint Benedict to claim a sweep of a key Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference series on Saturday afternoon. Augsburg's comeback was initiated by a power-play goal 29 seconds into the third period, which leveled the score. The game-winning goal followed shortly thereafter, sealing the result. Augsburg's defense, led by goalie Kayla Simonson with 18 saves, held Saint Benedict to just one shot in the final period. This victory marks Augsburg's seventh straight win. Augsburg is currently ranked No. 2 in both the latest USCHO.com Division III and D-III Hockey News.com national polls, while Saint Benedict is receiving votes in both polls.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Augsburg 2, Saint Benedict 1
LOCATION: Ed Saugestad Rink, Minneapolis
RECORDS: Augsburg 19-3-1 overall (13-2-1 MIAC), Saint Benedict 12-7-4 overall (7-6-3 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
The first period opened with Augsburg putting consistent pressure on Saint Benedict, managing numerous shots on goal, though none found the back of the net. Augsburg's power play opportunity early in the period did not yield a goal, as Saint Benedict's defense, led by goalie Lexi Badali, held firm. Despite Augsburg's aggressive offensive efforts, it was Saint Benedict who scored in the final seconds of the period, with Shae Stinnett netting a goal with just nine seconds remaining, assisted by Jorja Jusczak and Merrill Delich. The period concluded with Augsburg trailing 1-0.

Augsburg went on the offensive early in the second period, drawing a tripping penalty against Saint Benedict's Skylar Salscheider just 49 seconds in. Augsburg's power play generated multiple chances, including shots from Nora Stepan and Abby Simons, but Lexi Badali in net for Saint Benedict stood firm. Despite consistent pressure and several missed attempts, Augsburg could not capitalize. The period ended with Augsburg on another power play following an Emily Wendorf hooking penalty, yet the score remained unchanged at 0–0.

Ruby Eskin's power-play goal 29 seconds into the third period gave Augsburg an early lead over Saint Benedict. Following this, Nora Stepan extended Augsburg's advantage with an even-strength goal at the 6:36 mark, assisted by Annika Mielke. Stepan now has a team-leading 15 goals with 15 assists for 30 points, standing second among MIAC players in both goals and points, and third in assists. Playing in her 105th career game, Stepan continues to shine as she now ranks fifth in school history in career points (97), sixth in goals (47), and tied for fifth in assists (50). Despite multiple attempts by Saint Benedict to bridge the gap, Augsburg maintained its defensive stance. 

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Ruby Eskin: 1 power-play goal, 64% faceoff win percentage
• Nora Stepan: 1 game-winning goal, 1 assist
• Livia Brehm: 75% faceoff win percentage, 9 faceoff wins
• Kayla Simonson: 18 saves

SAINT BENEDICT PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Shae Stinnett: 1 goal, +1 rating
• Chloe Lewis: 17 faceoff wins, 62% faceoff percentage
• Lexi Badali: 40 saves

UP NEXT
• In its next game, Augsburg will head to Saint Mary's Ice Arena in Winona, Minn., to face Saint Mary's University on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m.