Warriors Sweep Weekend Series Against Lindenwood
FREMONT, Neb. – Hockey season is officially back as Midland University hosted Lindenwood University for a pair of conference games over the weekend. The two Women's Midwest College Hockey (WMCH) foes took the ice inside the recently remodeled Sidner Ice Arena on Saturday and Sunday. The Warriors earned the series sweep, shutting out the Lions 4-0 in the first game and then rallying back for a 3-1 win in the second.
SATURDAY: Midland 4, Lindenwood 0
In the first game of the weekend, Midland wasted no time getting on the board. Taylor Bell opened the scoring at the 3:57 mark of the first period, with assists from Grace Page and Callie Maguire. Less than three minutes later, Makara Magbanua netted her first collegiate goal, assisted by Rylee Martin and Jaicee Huberdeau.
The Warriors extended their lead in the second period. Makenna Larson capitalized on a power play, scoring her first goal as a Warrior, with assists from Maguire and Martin. Maguire capped off the scoring with a goal at the 4:54 mark, assisted by Page and Bell, which prompted Lindenwood to pull its starting goalie.
Midland dominated offensively, outshooting the Lions 44-14. Meghan Stewart stopped all 14 shots she faced, securing the shutout victory.
SUNDAY: Midland 3, Lindenwood 1
In the finale, Lindenwood looked for a split and struck first with a power-play goal midway through the opening period. The Lions' defense held strong through two periods, and they carried a 1-0 lead into the third. However, Midland's offense came alive in the final period. Maguire tied the game at the 3:15 mark with a power-play goal, assisted by Martin. Three minutes later, Brynn Tosh scored the go-ahead goal unassisted, and Maguire added an insurance goal on another power play with assists from Larson and Martin.
Natalie Rampton earned her first collegiate win in net, making 12 saves as Midland outshot Lindenwood 38-12.
"I thought we got a good test this weekend. Lindenwood is an improved team from a year ago and gave us some challenges," commented head coach Jason White. "It took a bit to get going on Saturday offensively. Defensively, we were able to hold them under 15 shots which is our goal for each game.
"On Saturday, Lindenwood's goalie that subbed into the game the day before had a solid first two periods. Trailing at the second intermission, I wanted to see how our leaders would respond. They've each played a lot of hockey for us but are still growing as team leaders.
"Next weekend we've got a tough test with Minot coming to town. They're always a quality team and give us a challenge whether it be at home or up at their place. We'll go hard this week and prepare for a physical series."
Midland (2-0-0, 2-0-0 WMCH) will host Minot State (0-0-0) next Friday and Saturday back inside Sidner Ice Arena. Last year, the teams met seven times with the Warriors controlling the series with a 6-0-1 record. Puck drop is set for 5:00 p.m. on September 27 and at 4:00 p.m. on September 28 in Fremont.