(O'FALLON, Ill., Sept. 21) – The McKendree University women's hockey team opened its season with a contest against local and fellow Women's Midwest College Hockey League (WMCHL) member, Lindenwood-Belleville late Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats couldn't overcome the Lynx, falling 3-1.

This marks the first of three games with the Lynx, with the next coming on January 20.
 
The Lynx jumped ahead early with a goal just over four minutes into the first period. This would mark the only scoring in the opening period as sophomore Naomi Leasck (St. Louis, MO/Lindbergh High School) turned away the rest of the opposing shots.
 
After no scoring in the second period, Lindenwood-Belleville added to their lead quickly in the third session. Just a minute later, senior Alyssa Albee (Brookfield, WI/Brookfield Central) connected with junior Callie Hoadley (Hanover, MA/Hanover High School) and sophomore Brittany Koch (Bloomfield Hills, MI/Bloomfield Hills High School) to cut the lead to one.
 
Two minutes later, the Lynx countered back to push the lead back to two. The Bearcats pushed back but were unable to put the puck in the net resulting in a 3-1 loss on opening day.

Leasck recorded 38/41 saves, good for a .926 save percentage.
 
The Bearcats will be back at the rink on Sunday, Sept. 29 as they play host to the defending national champion, Liberty University at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex.