Lindenwood Women’s Hockey Triumphs in Shootout Against Bemidji State
In a thrilling shootout finale, Lindenwood Women’s Hockey triumphed over Bemidji State Beavers in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The match showcased the exceptional skills of Zsofia Pazmandi on Saturday afternoon.
Lions vs. Beavers: A Competitive Encounter
The Beavers took an early lead, scoring less than two minutes into the game. However, with just under two minutes left in the first period, Pazmandi leveled the score at 1-1. Tatiana Blichova set up the goal with a skilled assist, creating a turnover behind the Beavers’ net.
Despite the Lions outshooting the Beavers 16-10 in the first period, they headed into the intermission tied. Both Blichova and Pazmandi were key contributors, each registering three shots.
Critical Moments in the Game
The second period saw Morgan Smith from Bemidji net a goal with just under six minutes remaining. The Lions’ defense displayed resilience, successfully killing two power plays, including a crucial five-on-three situation.
Trailing 2-1 entering the final period, Lions’ goaltender Lexington Secreto made an impressive 19 consecutive saves. With only 4:15 left in regulation, Pazmandi showcased her skills again, scoring a remarkable goal from coast to coast while falling to the ice. This effort sent the game into overtime.
Overtime and Shootout Highlights
The overtime period was intensely competitive, featuring both goaltenders making crucial saves. Secreto recorded four saves, while the Lions had a golden opportunity when Blichova’s shot was denied by the Bemidji goaltender.
After five minutes of overtime failed to yield a winner, the match proceeded to a shootout. In this decisive tiebreaker, Molly Henderson scored the opening goal for Lindenwood. Secreto made two consecutive saves, bolstering the Lions’ chance for victory.
- Pazmandi clinched the win with a final goal in the shootout.
- This marked Lindenwood’s first shootout win of the season.
With this victory, the Lions improved their season record to 5-13-2. They are now set to face Mercyhurst University for the last series of the season’s first half, with the puck dropping on Friday at 4 p.m. CT.
