ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – An early 4-on-4 goal was the difference as the St. Olaf College women's hockey team dropped its Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) series opener, 1-0, to the College of Saint Benedict on Friday night at Ritsche Arena.

Emily Wendorf scored from a sharp angle on the right on a 4-on-4 at 5:14 of the opening period for the lone goal of the game for Saint Ben's (3-1-0, 3-0-0 MIAC). The game was the seventh consecutive one-goal game for St. Olaf (2-5-0, 1-2-0 MIAC) to start the season.

The Bennies held a 21-11 advantage in shots on goal in the game and held the Oles scoreless on all three of St. Olaf's power plays, including a five-minute major in the second period. Lexi Badali posted an 11-save shutout for Saint Ben's, while sophomore Baylyn Shankman took the hard-luck loss despite stopping 20-of-21 shots for the Oles.

The series finale is set for a 6 p.m. start at St. Olaf Ice Arena on Saturday, Nov. 22.