Finlandia battles tough against Vikings

APPLETON, Wis. — It was another strong effort as the Finlandia Lions women’s hockey team (0-12 NCHA, 0-21) lost 3-1 to Lawrence (2-8 NCHA, 3-16), Saturday afternoon at the Appleton Family Ice Center.

The first two periods saw strong defense and solid goaltending from both Finlandia and Lawrence. In the second period, senior Cassidy Becia hammered the puck into the net. That put the Lions up 1-0 with 7:50 to go.

The Vikings came back to tie the game at the 16:24 mark.

Lawrence snuck one in at the 2:20 mark of the third period for a 2-1 lead. With just under six minutes to go, freshman Kennedi Johnson had a shot on target blocked at the last moment. The Vikings scored an insurance goal with 5:17 left.

FinnU blocked 26 shots led by sophomore Arwen Sims with six. Sophomore Michaela Powers had 11 faceoff wins. Sophomore Laney Pasemko finished with 62 saves.

Lions see the Vikings sail by

APPLETON, Wis. — It was 60 minutes of SISU as the Lions lost 4-1 to the Vikings Friday night at the Appleton Family Ice Center.

Five minutes into the game, freshman Gracie Hall had two bullet shots on goal stopped by strong plays. Pasemko made several amazing saves to keep the game scoreless.

Lawrence scored twice in a five-minute period for a 2-0 lead. In the second period, the Lions had numerous scoring opportunities that were turned away by great plays. At the 9:37 mark, the Vikings scored to make it 3-0.

Four minutes later, sophomore Libby Plath scored off a pass from freshman Tessa Deal. That cut the gap to 3-1. FinnU had several shots that just missed in the third period. Lawrence scored an insurance goal with 1:46 left.

Sophomore Arwen Sims had a strong game blocking six shots. Powers had 11 faceoff wins. Pasemko finished with 48 saves.

Up next

Finlandia is off until Sunday, Feb. 12, when they host Marian (Wis.). The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.