(O'Fallon, Ill., Feb. 6) – The McKendree University women's hockey team opened its regular season with a home game against Lindenwood University on Saturday afternoon. The Bearcats dropped the match, falling 2-1 to the Lions.
 
Lindenwood scored two goals in the first period. Neither team netted a goal during the second period, holding the Bearcats 0-2.
 
Five minutes into the third period, senior captain Elia Burbidge (Tottenham, Ontario, Canada/The Hill Academy) scored McKendree's first goal with an assist from sophomore Camryn Scully (Prince George, BC, Canada/Prince George Secondary School).
 
Junior goalie Naomi Leasck (St. Louis, MO/Lindbergh High School) made 40/42 saves in her effort, a .952 save percentage.
 
The Bearcats will return to the ice for a home game against Maryville University on Feb. 12^th.