The Lindenwood women’s ice hockey team wrapped up a dominating tournament run Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 shutout of Michigan State in the ACHA Division I National Championship game in Blaine, Minn. The win gave the Lady Lions their third straight national title, and the fourth in the last five years.
After the first two periods ended with no scoring, Lindenwood would seize momentum in the final frame. With less than nine minutes remaining,
Sarah Oliphant broke the scoreless tie with her second goal of the tournament. Moments later,
Bret Lobreau extended the lead to two with her second tally of the week.
Over the final seven minutes, the Lady Lions would control the puck and run the clock out.
Rebecca Bernet, who was named first-team goalie on the All-Tournament squad, stopped 21 shots to post her 18th shutout of the year. That mark ranks first in program history. She finishes her career with 39 total shutouts.
Oliphant,
Ashley Rebeck, and
Nicole Konsdorf all finished with an assist in the victory.
Mandy Dion was named tournament MVP. The senior netted four goals in the Lady Lions’ opening win in pool play and also added a pair of hat tricks as well.
Shannon Murphy was named a first-team defenseman, and
Lisa Moreau was named to the second-team.
Lindenwood ended the season on a 23 game unbeaten streak, and logged 15 shutouts in it's final 22 contests.
The victory also marked the second straight year in which the Lindenwood men's and women's ice hockey teams both won national championships.
The Lady Lions conclude the season with a program-best 43 wins, and won the CCWHA regular season and conference tournament championships for the third straight year.