MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. – Forward Paige Baldwin’s third-period goal gave the No. 9-ranked St. Thomas women’s hockey team its second win of the weekend, and clinched the MIAC championship Saturday afternoon as St. Thomas defeated The College of St. Benedict 2-1 at St. Thomas Ice Arena.

The win, coupled with Gustavus’ 1-0 loss to Bethel Saturday afternoon, gives the Tommies (17-5-3, 14-2-2) the outright conference title. This marks St. Thomas’ first conference title in 10 seasons, and is the first time since 2004 that Gustavus has not been crowned MIAC champion.

After a slow start for both sides and two penalties on St. Thomas, the first period closed with neither side gaining a strong upper hand. The Blazers kept control of the puck for most of the period and outshot the Tommies 9-7.

About one minute into the second period, forward Christina Rozeske scored the first goal against St. Benedict (7-18, 4-14), giving the Tommies the lead. With only the Blazer goaltender between her and the net, Rozeske gave the Tommies a much-needed boost.

“After the first, we knew we were dragging our legs a little bit,” Rozeske said. “The first goal was tremendous. We were kind of back on our heels a little bit, so it was definitely a turning point for us and really gave us the confidence we needed to finish the game.”

Coach Tom Palkowski agreed the Tommies struggled in the first period.

“I don’t feel we played our best,” Palkowski said. “But you know as they say, ‘when are the championships easy?’”

The Tommies maintained their momentum through the second period, overtaking the Blazers in shots on goal. Compared to Friday’s game, when the Tommies outshot the Blazers 54-17, St. Benedict fared much better this time around. The Blazers gave the Tommie defense a fight as St. Thomas outshot St. Benedict just 25-21. Goaltender Alise Riedel said her team knew exactly how to handle it.

“We know our jobs,” said Riedel. “Our whole team knows the (defensive) zone is really important, and we generate a lot out of our zone, so I think just knowing our job and knowing ‘don’t let goals go in’ worked.”

With 2:21 remaining in the second period, Blazer forward Maddie Rainey sent a shot past Riedel, tying the game at one.

As the third period opened, the Tommie’s blasted back with a goal in the first 30 seconds from forward Paige Baldwin. With a regained momentum, the Tommies held St. Benedict at bay and skated to a 2-1 victory.

As the last buzzer of the final MIAC game screamed, the St. Thomas women’s hockey team knew they had just won the MIAC championship for the first time in 10 years.

Saturday’s game not only secured the Tommie’s position as MIAC champion, but also served as the final regular season game for nine St. Thomas seniors: Paige Baldwin, Mary Grace Flesher, Kelsey Barnier, Maria Bothwell, Christina Rozeske, Makenzie Holm, Andrea Bishop, and Alise Riedel.

Palkowski said he believes this had an impact on their game.

“With senior night, there’s a lot of an emotions going on,” Palkowski said. “We found a way to get the job done.”

Looking to the future, and reflecting on the past season, Palkowski said he is proud of his team’s seniors.

“You set goals at the beginning of the year and this group of seniors is just; they’ve kind of changed the face of the St. Thomas program with their work ethic and just how tight they are,” Palkowski said. “So for them to set that goal and get the job done, I’m so proud of them and so happy for them.”

St. Thomas will host their first playoff game Saturday against the winner of Concordia and St. Catherine. In regards to playoff challenges, coach Palkowski is expecting every game to be a fight.

“You know it’s playoff hockey, and it’s typically a one-goal game, and you need to play your best game,” Palkowski said. “There’s no taking a shift off or taking two shifts off because a bounce of a puck could mean the season’s over. It’s got to be our best.”

As the playoffs begin, the St. Thomas women’s hockey team will be looking to go as far as they can with their seniors leading the way.

“It’s bittersweet,” Rozeske said. “I’m sad it’s over, but I’m so happy we won, and I’m ready for playoffs.”

Simeon Lancaster can be reached at lanc4627@stthomas.edu.