(O'FALLON, Ill., Oct. 12) – The McKendree University women's hockey team opened up a two game series with visiting Minot State University on Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats were defeated in the opening game 2-1, by the visiting Beavers.
 
McKendree slips to below .500 at 2-3 overall on the season.
 
Minot State took a lead eight minutes into the first period. The lead held through the opening period as the Beavers carried a 1-0 score into the first intermission.
 
The Bearcats tied the game after senior Lara Wentz (Bismark, ND/) sent a pass to senior Alyssa Albee (Brookfield, WI/Brookfield Central) who was open in front of the net. Neither team was able to find the back of the net for the rest of the period as the game remained knotted at one apiece heading into the final period.
 
Just five minutes into the final period, Minot State scored the game winning goal to take a 2-1 victory over the Bearcats.
 
Sophomore goalie Naomi Leasck (St. Louis, MO/Lindbergh High School) made 36/38 saves in the effort.
 
McKendree will look for a split on Sunday afternoon with a puck drop scheduled for 1:00pm.