Green Knights Sneak Past Falcons in Overtime

MEQUON, Wis. - Concordia women's hockey sustained a close loss to the St. Norbert Green Knights on Friday night, dropping in overtime after tallying a late equalizer in the third period. The contest also marked the program's second consecutive season of hosting Mental Health Awareness Night, and the green-colored event drew 342 spectators, a season-high at the Ozaukee Ice Center.

The Green Knights struck first on the scoreboard late in the opening period, as Abbie Toleffson collected her fourth goal of the season to put St. Norbert in front.

The first period passed without additional scoring, and neither squad found any goals in the second frame, largely in part to a Concordia defensive presence that included six saves from senior netminder Annalina Van Hercke (Castle Rock, Colo.).

Junior Amanda Bauer (Waunakee, Wis.) knotted the game for the Falcons 8:42 into the third period, collecting her fourth goal of the season. A 4-on-4 just minutes afterward saw the Green Knights capitalize, regaining the lead after Lexi Bonfe found the back of the net.

Despite facing a deficit, Concordia put strong offensive pressure on St. Norbert in hopes of re-evening the contest, as four different Falcons fired shot attempts in a three-minute span.

Freshman Naomi Black (Ottawa, Ont.) ultimately took responsibility for the game's tying goal, setting up an overtime period with just over two minutes remaining in play. Bauer and junior Erika Graham (Brighton, Mich.) collected assists on the goal, and Bauer's helper clinched her 11th career multi-point performance.

Both squads battled throughout the extra frame, and Van Hercke collected 8 of her 31 saves in the overtime period. Ultimately, St. Norbert found the back of the net in the final minute of play to take the victory.

Junior Brooke Gibson (LaSalle, Ont.) led Concordia with five shots on goal while also posting an impressive 17/25 line at the faceoff dot.

After having its five-game win streak snapped, the Falcons will have an opportunity to get back to .500 against St. Norbert on Saturday, January 20th.